The 2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships are off and running! For the second consecutive year, over 2,200 pickleball players from across the globe will descend upon the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the sport’s premiere event. There was an undeniable buzz in the air throughout Saturday’s festivities, as participants and fans alike gathered in the Coachella Valley to celebrate all things pickleball.
From experienced veterans of the sport to newfound lovers of the game, all in attendance on Saturday were busy enjoying the facilities and incredible on-court action. It’d be hard to blame them, as the 2019 Nationals brings along a host of tournament upgrades that set this year’s event apart from anything the sport has seen in the past. From world-class courts to delectable dining and majestic scenery surrounding the venue, there’s simply nothing like Nationals in Indian Wells.
Competition events kicked off on Saturday with a packed slate of Men’s Doubles action in the 3.0/3.5/5.0 divisions. Women’s Doubles Senior Pro events also began play. The day featured a number of expected medal winners, but also had several upsets that produced surprising individual accolades.
Let’s have a look at Saturday’s 5.0 gold medal winners:
Around the grounds, don’t forget to check out all the amazing dining options including Margaritaville’s Boathouse, Feeding Frenzy, Tiki Hut and 5 o’ Clock Somewhere Bar. All new for 2019, Your Pie is serving up freshly made pizza’s that you won’t want to miss. For our VIP ticket purchasers, the Margaritaville License to Chill Lounge has beer, margaritas and light dining, alongside a perfect view of Championship Court.
Now, let’s take a look at all the action on tap for tomorrow:
Events – Sunday, Nov. 3
Women’s Skill/Age Doubles – 3.0/3.5/5.0
Men’s Super-Senior Open Doubles – 4.5/5.0
Men’s Skill/Age Singles – 3.5
Key Start Times
8am PST – Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.0 19+, 35+, 50+, 60+ and Men’s Doubles Senior Pro 65+
11:30am PST – Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.0 65+,70+
2:30pm PST – Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.0 55+
Who/What to Watch
Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.0 19+
One of the most competitive and exciting brackets of the day. Catherine Parenteau is looking to repeat as Gold champion with new partner Athena Trouillot, while Irina Tereschenko and Lucy Kovalova are looking to turn last year’s Silver medal into Gold. Teen phenom Anna Leigh Waters is also in contention on Sunday alongside partner Christine McGrath, with their eyes on the top podium. Last but not least, 2018 Bronze medalist Sarah Ansboury and her partner Regina Franco take to the court.
Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.0 35+
Leigh Waters is playing in the 35+ division after winning Gold in the 19+ with partner Catherine Parenteau at the 2018 Nationals, and is now teamed up with Simone Jardim. The highly-anticipated team of Mary Helen Atkins and Katie Dyer are also in action and looking to repeat as Gold winners from the 2018 Nationals.
Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.0 50+
In the 50+ division on Sunday, Cammy MacGregor and Jennifer Lucore and their partners respectively are returning to Indian Wells after medaling in 2018, and will be going head to head this year in the 14-team bracket.
