Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones are targeting podium places at the Pickle & Chill Jamaica Christmas Pickleball in Kingston today and tomorrow.

Manders and Jones have entered both the men’s singles and doubles at the annual event. For Manders, 39, who won the singles and doubles at the same tournament a year ago, nothing short of a top three in the doubles is acceptable.

The two-day tournament is taking place at the same venue the Bermudian pair secured the Jamaica International Pickleball Open in September.

Portugal's Armando Ferreira, the Most Valuable Player of the Pickleball World Cup 2025 is the No 1 seed in the singles, ahead of No 2 seed Manders.

Manders and Jones are the top seeds in the doubles.

“From a singles perspective, I definitely want to be on the podium,” Manders told The Royal Gazette.

“I think beating Armando would be a tall task. This is someone who was named MVP of the entire World Cup.

“If we don’t podium in doubles, it would be in my opinion a failure. We’re definitely eyeing getting on the podium in both.

“Coming first and taking the title is the ultimate goal. But within that is always just making sure that we’re focused and taking it one match at a time.

“I think that if we do everything that we are supposed to, we are one of the favourites. But you do have to play each game.

“Benji’s still young and it’s good for him to get these experiences. For me, it’s just using these things to help inspire and make sure that we open the doors for the next generation and show what is possible within this sport.

“We have a unique opportunity to come to the region and inspire, not just Bermudians to show what we can do, but also Jamaicans.”

Jones is delighted to be returning to a venue where he and Manders enjoyed success a few months ago.

“After playing here in the last tournament in September, I knew I wouldn't be able to stay away from this kind of energy,” the 22-year-old said.

“I’m really excited to get another opportunity to compete, see my friends again, some of the Jamaican guys from the team.

“After the tournament three months ago, it made sense to come back to, hopefully, win again and keep our title.”

The Bentley University final-year student usually plays doubles. His decision to enter the singles is something he attributed to Bermuda’s success at the World Cup.

“I’ve entered the singles division, which is something that's newer for me,” Jones said.

“I’ve been inspired after playing in the World Cup in the dreambreaker against South Africa.

“It’s really motivated me to try to get more into the singles scene.

“In terms of goals, I’m not going to put anything finite on the table. As long as I put my best foot forward and compete the way I know how to, I’ll be satisfied with myself.”

Jones, who was part of the Bermuda team at the World Cup, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October and November, recently enjoyed success in Boston.

“Since the World Cup, I’ve been drilling pretty regularly with the coach of the team, Sasha Fisher,” he added.

“She coaches quite near to where I attend university, so we get out a couple of times a week to train.

“I recently competed in a tournament held at a local facility in Massachusetts, with a partner I have out there. I had a lot of fun in that and ended up winning the event.

“It was a 4.5 plus cash tournament, so a lot of local talent just came out, competed and had a great afternoon.”