Thirty four counties and over 300 players came together for a record-breaking UK Padel County Championships across mixed, women’s and men’s competitions in Bristol last weekend.
With county pride on the line, spectators were treated to the highest standard of team padel seen in the UK to date at Rocket Padel Bristol.
Surrey triumph in thrilling mixed final
Surrey produced a remarkable performance to capture the mixed title on Saturday night. After edging past an outstanding Channel Islands side in a gripping semi-final, Surrey faced Yorkshire in a tense match that went all the way to a shoot-out. Despite their lead slowly slipping away, Oscar Warneryd and Daisy Dickinson held their nerve to secure Surrey’s first-ever mixed UK Padel County Championship title.
Essex retain women’s crown
The women’s event delivered yet more quality, with defending champions Essex showcasing a superb blend of youth, experience and tactical clarity. Surrey, buoyed by their mixed victory, pushed hard again but Essex’s junior internationals Rosie Quirk and Aimee Connolly, alongside Denise Negro and Sarah Lochrie, proved too good a combination as yet another champions shoot-out was needed. After splitting the two rubbers, Negro and Quirk sealed the win in the shoot-out, giving Essex their second consecutive women’s UK Padel County Championship title.
East Scotland capture men’s title in style
A strengthened field in the men’s competition including impressive line-ups from Warwickshire, Sussex, Middlesex and a powerful South Wales team led by GB no.3 Louie Harris set the stage for a high-level competition. South Wales defeated Warwickshire to reach the final, while East Scotland saw off local rivals North Scotland to set up an electric finale.
The final lived up to expectations. East Scotland’s top pair Sam McNeill and former UK No.1 Jorge Martinez edged a nail-biting first rubber 7–5, 7–5, before Alan Macdonald and Ross Murdoch clinched the title with a 7–6, 7–5 victory. Their win crowned an unforgettable weekend of elite county padel.
Mark Ayers, Director of Events at UK PADEL, said: “The County Championships continue to be one of the most enjoyable events on our calendar because they’re built around players.
“It’s inspiring to see these stories unfold and exciting to see the depth of talent growing across the country. This year has delivered everything we hoped for as a true players event.
UK PADEL CEO Nick Baker added: “Well done to all the players and winning teams Surrey, Essex and East Scotland.
“Each year we see padel reach new heights in the UK, and the momentum behind the sport is remarkable. The County Championships show what’s possible when passion, partnership and opportunity come together, and we’re excited to help drive the sport forward with even bigger ambitions for the years ahead.”
Full results can be viewed at the LTA competition site and full match recaps are available on the UK Padel YouTube channel.
Sponsors of the UK PADEL County Championships are Lauralu, Punchy, HEAD Padel, Shandy Shack, ACT Sports, Hexa Padel and host venue Rocket Padel Bristol.
