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

Harris, 64, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry, 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.

“One of my friends I played tennis with introduced me to it about seven years ago and as soon as I played, I was absolutely hooked,” said Windlesham's Harris.

“I think the sport is very inclusive. It’s easy to learn but there are some challenges in trying to improve and get better at it.

“It’s very, very sociable and we have a very sociable club to play at, the Runnymede Royals, the biggest club in the UK.”

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’ve been at several tournaments both in England and abroad, but this is probably one of the best organised ones,” added Harris.

“I’ve played in lots of tournaments in lots of different countries and that’s the nice opportunity to meet players from all the different countries.

“I wasn’t here last year, so this is my first time at Telford and it’s obviously a much bigger event than the last one I attended.

“I think it’s a great set-up because you’ve got all the hotels and everything nearby, and it is just very well organised.”

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