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

Physiotherapist Yeomans, 35, 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.

“This event has been amazing. On Saturday, I competed in the 4.0 35+ category and we got gold, so that was a great start,” said Deal's Yeomans.

“I’m just absolutely loving it, it’s a really good tournament and a lot from our club are here, we’re all cheering each other on and everyone is having a great time.”

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 got into pickleball only at the end of last year, and it was a friend at work who was playing who was on at me for ages and ages that said come along and play,” added Yeomans.

“We both had a history of playing racket sports together in our childhood, she said I’d love, eventually I caved in, and the rest is history.

“I’ve always been active but had a history of injuries that ruled me out of other sports down the years, so I’ve found my niche again now.

“I’ve found something that I can manage, that I can be competitive in and doesn’t aggravate too many injuries.”

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