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

Retired decision analyst Preston, 68, 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.

“My neighbours joined a club and told us they really enjoyed it, so we went along about 18 months ago and the club has been burgeoning ever since,” said Pershore's Preston.

“There are now a lot of members and most days of the week we play pickleball in the Cotswolds.

“It’s my first English Open and it’s brilliant because the facility is wonderful and just watching all the play is great.

“It’s been very enjoyable and playing in competitions always gives that extra edge to just playing in the clubs.

“I’ve done three tournaments so far this year, including the Abingdon warm-up tournament.”

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.

“This is by far the biggest tournament I’ve been part of and the venue is magnificent, and it all works as well despite the fact that there are so many courts and they’re so close together,” added Preston.

“Everything seems to be really well organised and everything works really well, so it’s just astonishing to see so many people enjoying it.”

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