Team North America Wins its Second Bainbridge Cup And Competes in the Italian Open in July

Pickleball took a world stage, as 155 players from sixteen countries traveled from afar to compete in the second annual Bainbridge Cup in scenic Montesilvano, Italy, July 20-23, 2018. Team Europe’s 103 players squared off with 52 players from Team North America, followed by two days of intercontinental play in the inaugural Italian Open Pickleball Championships.

During the Bainbridge Cup, each match, from beginner to pro play, was equivalent to one point, allowing competitors of all skill levels an equal chance to contribute to their team score. After a hard-fought competition, inaugural Bainbridge Cup champions Team North America prevailed with a 106-82 victory over Team Europe.

Afterward, the Italian Open allowed participants a rare opportunity to partner with players from different parts of the globe, while competing with or against some of the world’s elite players, including Scott Moore from the United States, Irina Tereschenko of Russia, and Ernesto Cardenas of Spain, among others.

While many tournament players explored the historical ruins of ancient Rome prior to their arrival in the quaint seaside village of Montesilvano, a regional highlight was a delightful winery tour and dinner at the charming Cantina Zaccagnini vineyard in Bolognano.

–By Ruth Rosenquist