A two-day padel tournament in West London was acclaimed as a huge success by sporting legends last month.
The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic was held at The Hurlingham Club in West London on 15-16 May and saw sporting celebrities compete in the doubles racket discipline, which combines elements of tennis and squash, alongside professional players.
The tournament was co-founded by investment group TTB Sport, and raised funds for global charity Laureus Sport for Good.
Former England test cricket captain Andrew Strauss, who is the Executive Chair of TTB Sport, said: “It was incredible for us to see the vision of the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic come to life.
“Judging by the smiles, great padel and wonderful atmosphere generated over the two days I think we can declare it a huge success.
“Padel is such a great connector of people and there were so many padel enthusiasts with us over the two days.
“They were competitive on the court, but on a personal level it was hugely disappointing to lose to Michael Vaughan.”
Strauss’ former England teammate Vaughan said: “Fundamentally I believe padel is a sport for everybody.
“There is conversation going on all the time and the underarm service makes it a little easier to pick up.
“But also, the most important aspect of The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic was to raise the profile and vital funds for Laureus Sport for Good.”
Many sporting celebrities appeared at the event including Judy Murray, Greg Rusedski and Max Evans.
They played alongside padel pros including John Leach, Aimee Gibson, Tia Norton, Sam Macneill, Rafa Vega and Alfonso Patacho.
The Hurlingham Club won the team tournament, beating the Laureus Sports for Good squad in the final.
The club’s chief executive Michael O’Dwyer, who presented the trophies on day two, said: “It has been such a privilege partnering with Laureus Sport for Good.
“It has been a festival of sport, friendship and belonging.”
Featured image credit: The Hurlingham Club
