Bermuda’s leading pickleball duo, Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones, have touched down in Jamaica to compete in the highly anticipated Pickle & Chill Christmas Classic in Kingston. The tournament, hosted at the premier Pickle & Chill facility, has become a staple of the regional calendar, blending high-stakes competition with a festive island atmosphere.
Manders and Jones arrive in Kingston as one of the Caribbean's most formidable pairings. The duo recently enjoyed significant success at the Jamaica International Pickleball Open, where they secured the Men’s Doubles Class A gold medal by defeating Canadian Ernesto Fajardo and Jamaican Kobi Stiebel. Their chemistry on the court is well-established; while Jones is often lauded for his defensive orchestration, Manders—Bermuda’s former Davis Cup tennis standout—provides the aggressive finishing power.
The pair also carries momentum from the international stage, having clinched a bronze medal in the Open Men's Doubles division at a pre-World Cup event in Florida earlier this season.
The Christmas Classic features a wide array of talent across multiple divisions, including:
Doubles Class A: The elite advanced category where Manders and Jones will look to defend their regional reputation.
Doubles Class B & C: Intermediate and beginner brackets designed to foster local and international growth.
Singles Open: High-level individual competition across various skill ratings.
The facility at 13 East Kings House Road is known for its energetic "competitive vibes," featuring seven outdoor asphalt courts and shaded spectator zones. With local DJs and Caribbean music providing the backdrop, the tournament serves as both a serious athletic test and a celebration of the sport’s rapid expansion in the region.
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