GEORGE NEWS - Padel tennis, the fastest-growing sport in the world, has taken George by storm with its easy-to-play, social and addictive format.
The recent surge in popularity has led to the establishment of multiple padel courts across town, attracting both casual enthusiasts and competitive players.
One such player making waves in the sport is resident Rensia de Lange, the current national women's padel tennis champion and former number one singles player in South Africa's age group of 30 to 35.
De Lange recently showcased her exceptional skills in a thrilling women's tournament held at the newly built Racket Ball Club in Johannesburg, the largest padel tennis site in South Africa, where the 2023 Padel Puppies Ladies Cup was held.
Twenty teams of two players each gathered, all vying for the prestigious title. The competition consisted of round-robin matches followed by intense knock-out stages, leading up to an exhilarating final.
Partnered with the talented Karyn Hambridge, De Lange displayed her prowess and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament. In a hard-fought final, the duo emerged triumphant, defeating their opponents with a score of 7-5, 6-3.
When not competing, De Lange dedicates her time to training and coaching at the Garden Route Padel Centre here in George. Her dedication to the sport and passion for nurturing emerging talent in children and adults, has made her an influential figure in the local padel tennis community.
As the sport continues to gain traction, De Lange's achievements serve as inspiration for aspiring players in Eden and beyond.
The success of the Padel Puppies Ladies Cup and many other tournaments further reinforces the rapid growth and popularity of the sport in South Africa. Padel is known for its social and inclusive nature, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
The smaller court size and the use of glass walls provide a fast-paced and dynamic playing experience, with longer rallies and exciting shot-making. The sport emphasises teamwork, communication and anticipation, as players must work together to outmaneuver their opponents and maintain control of the game.
The court is 10 x 20m and is a mix between tennis and squash. It is played with racquets similar to beach bats, using similar balls and scoring to tennis.
The surface is astro and courts are predominantly outdoor.
Rensia de Lange in action.
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