Pickleball draws big crowds

MORE than 520 players of all ages converged on the Arc stadium over the long weekend for the HUSTL Warrnambool Pickleball Open 2026.

Warrnambool’s Robyn Brooks and Ray Smith (right) faced Don Cowling (left) and Clare Mathieson in the over 70s mixed doubles, with Robyn and Ray taking home a bronze medal.

This marked the third time Warrnambool has hosted the event, which attracts some of the best players from far and wide.

The Caramut Road stadium saw players from juniors through to those aged in their 70s compete in various divisions across the three days.

As one of six sanctioned tournaments to form part of the inaugural Victorian Rally Series, last weekend’s competition saw action across 22 indoor pickleball courts.