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

Retired electrical engineer Mills, 75, 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.

“I started playing pickleball in the Midlands. I used to play for a club in Derby,” said Truro's Mills.

“I had a friend who used to play in the States and he imported it to Derby, then we moved to Cornwall seven years ago and started to play down there on a social basis.

“There were four of us playing on a Saturday morning and now, because of organic growth, we’ve now got 230 members.

“It’s been a phenomenal growth, we’re getting enquiries all the time by email, by phone, and of course we get a lot of holiday makers who join us.”

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 didn’t attend the Open last year. When I came this year, I was stunned by the enormity of it.

“It’s very well organised and it’s a nice place to be,” added Mills.

“I like the fairness of the game. I was talking to somebody on Tuesday and I’ve never met anybody in pickleball who’s not friendly, so I like the sporting aspects of it and how it’s a good, level sport for all ages.”

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