Bermuda’s premier pickleball star Gavin Manders fell just short of a magnificent singles title after a clinical final defeat to home favorite Joshua Arnold at the Pickleball Paradise ANSA Bank Open.
Manders enjoyed a spectacular, dominant run through the Men’s A Singles Open draw in Trinidad and Tobago, but was ultimately undone by the tournament’s top seed, who claimed the championship match 11-5.
The Bermudian national director got his campaign off to a flying start at the Pickleball Paradise courts, showing immense grit to edge past Novak Malcolm 11-9 in a tense opening encounter.
With his rhythm established, Manders shifted into overdrive. He produced a ruthless 11-0 shutout against Akeam Charles before comfortably dismissing Jake De Costa 11-6 to reach the knockout rounds.
The clinical form carried straight into the business end of the tournament. Manders put on a clinic of baseline precision to brush aside Liev Khan 11-1 in the quarter-finals, before showing great composure to defeat Joshua Ackin 11-6 in the semis.
However, the final hurdle in Trinidad proved one too many. Up against local star Arnold, Manders found himself under relentless pressure early on as the home favorite took absolute control of the kitchen line. Despite a spirited fightback from the Bermudian, Arnold dictated the pace to wrap up the match 11-5 and keep the trophy on home soil.
