Athletes compete at the World Pickleball Championship in Punta Gorda

The first-ever World Pickleball Championship is happening right now in Charlotte County. Day two of the tournament begins at the brand new PicklePlex in Punta Gorda starting at 8 a.m.

The four-day tournament is a huge deal for Charlotte County. Hundreds of players from all over the world and their families are in Punta Gorda for the competition. They are vying to win it all at the PicklePlex.

Pickleball is a sport that combines tennis and ping pong. On Friday, 500 players kicked off the event. In the end, 60 will walk away with a title. WINK News spoke with one professional player about what it is like for her to compete.

“Every tournament it’s really tough,” said Lucy Kovalova, who is from Slovakia. “And we are all very competitive and the results are getting closer and closer.”

Of course, this is also great for our local economy. Players and fans are spending money on local hotels and restaurants. The event lasts until Monday. While Kovalova hopes she makes it until then, she is keeping a positive attitude regardless of the outcome.

“It’s always fun,” Kovalova said. “Fun to come to Florida and compete.”

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