On your Mark: pickleball star preparing for English Open

Pickleball star Mark Lambert is preparing for his biggest ever event when he travels to Birmingham, England, in August for the English Pickleball Open.

Fresh from winning a Gold medal at Eyva’s invitational pickleball tournament in Dublin on Saturday, he heads to the UK in fine form. Mark was successful in the men’s open category with partner Christian Lapitan.

The Connacht Silver and Bronze medallist from Rathconrath, Co Westmeath, is just 16 years old but has been chosen by Pickleball Ireland to play at senior level because of his standard in the sport. Mark is a member of the Multyfarnham Pickleball Club and regularly plays outside the county in competition, travelling to venues in Dublin and beyond.

The event in Birmingham will be the biggest outside of America and it’s a major honour for the rising star. Over 2,000 players will take part.

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the largest space in the UK, with 20 inter-connecting halls, and it promises to be a massive event, running from August 11-16. Ahead of that, he will compete in the Irish Open in Dublin.

Mark’s success in the Connacht Open came against opposition that included members of the Irish team as he partnered Danny Hajnal of Dublin to win a Silver medal. He also took Bronze in the mixed doubles event with Keeley Fitzpatrick.

Mark has been playing pickleball for two years and generally plays three to four days each week. The Irish Open in July, at the National Sports Complex in Blanchestown, is very much in his sights. He will partner Adam Conlon in the event.

“I’m feeling great about it. I have lots of training done with my partner and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Mark.

The English Open will be even bigger.

“It’s a massive event. I have played in England before, in Telford last year, but it’s a lot bigger this year in the NEC in Birmingham. It’s very exciting, looking ahead to the challenge,” he remarked.

Mark’s medal haul at the Irish Open has given him renewed confidence as he continues to develop at the sport

“To win the Connacht Open, my first open competition, was something else. To know that I can compete with that level of players; it’s a monumental start,” he said.

Pickleball, a growing sport, is a game of skill, quick feet, movement and thought. Played with a paddle and ball, it is similar to tennis, but played on a badminton-sized court.“The best thing about it is learning something new every time. The game is full of variety; you meet a new player and they are playing the game in a totally different way. Any age can play,” said Mark.

A proud student of Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar, Mark is yet another talented sports star to emerge from that great nursery.