John Murdoch starred in an historic week for pickleball at a record-breaking Skechers English OPEN.

Retired NHS physiotherapist Murdoch, 63, featured in the English Open at the Telford International Centre – the largest pickleball event taking place outside of North America.

With ages from 7 to 70+ competing, the event is reflective of the incredible growth in pickleball over recent years, with a record number of almost 2,000 players from 42 countries participating in a sport which has aspirations of making the Olympic programme.

“The week I retired was the week I played pickleball for the first time. I instantly loved it,” said Gorbals' Murdoch.

“I wasn’t sure what I was going to do when I retired, but goodness me, stop the bus right now because I’ve been to quite a few places abroad and played a few tournaments just getting fitter.

“I went to Ireland for the Irish Open and got to the final of the 3.5 over-60s, got a bronze medal at the European Championships in Spain, and I went to the Dutch Open in June this year.”

This year’s English OPEN comprised seven days of high-level competition, with the world’s top professionals from America, Europe and Asia taking to the court in singles, doubles, mixed, wheelchair and junior events.

A hybrid of tennis, badminton & table tennis, the sport’s popularity has been attributed to its accessibility. Easy to pick up and fun to play, the sport’s accessibility transcends demographics, providing it with universal appeal.

“I was here last year and that was a great tournament – I didn’t win anything, but I’m back here this year because this is by far the best tournament I’ve been in, the biggest and best one,” added Murdoch.

“I’d never seen this kind of set-up with so many courts – it feels like you’re on Centre Court when you’re on it and there are hardly any balls coming into your court, unlike my club where balls are constantly coming in, so it’s just brilliant.”

Pickleball England has announced a record number of players competing at this year’s English OPEN from the 8th-14th August at the Telford International Centre in the largest pickleball event taking place outside of the USA EVER – visit pickleballengland.org