Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones continued their Caribbean dominance by clinching three medals at the Pickle & Chill Christmas Pickleball tournament in Kingston, Jamaica, over the weekend.

Manders and Jones won the men’s class A doubles final with victory over Armando Ferreira, from Portugal, who teamed up with local talent Jamaal Hay. The Bermudians triumphed 11-5, 8-11, 11-8.

In the singles, Manders, the winner from last year, went down 11-4, 11-4 to Ferreira in the final to settle for silver. Jones saw off the challenge of Brandon Tom to claim the bronze, courtesy of a 15-0 score.

“This one is special for us and Bermuda,” Manders told The Royal Gazette.

“For us to walk away with three medals — including gold in doubles with Benji, who I’ve coached since he was 8 — is a blessing.

“Our chemistry gave us the edge tactically, especially in the big moments. We trusted each other, executed our game plan, and kept the pressure on. That’s what made the difference in the final in front of a big Pickle & Chill crowd

“Still being able to compete at this level while helping guide the next generation is what it’s all about for me.

“Pickle & Chill is a special place for me, they treat me like I’m apart of the family there, crowd is always there to support.

“Facing Armando, the World Cup MVP in both finals, shows the high level of competition there. He took me in singles and was just the better man in the day, but I bounced back with Benji and took him down in doubles.

“I was able to use my experience to mentally reset, put my ego aside and finish strong. I’m just grateful to still be on this journey, continuing to help lead Bermuda in the region, and open doors for the next generation.”

For Jones, his victory over Tom, the 2024 runner-up, was a massive achievement as the 22-year-old usually plays in the doubles.

“It’s really encouraging to medal in my first singles tournament,” Jones said.

“It shows me that I have potential to keep improving as a more well rounded player, as well as giving me insight on the parts of my game that need to improve.

“I am proud of how I carried myself during the competition, and I can’t wait until the next one. I’ll be more prepared with some more intentional singles training under my belt.”