Ōpōtiki man Joseph Hayes has taken home gold in the men’s doubles at the New Zealand Pickleball Open, despite only playing the sport a handful of times this year.

Hayes competed in the men’s doubles, ages 35-49, partnering with Viliami Mahe from Favona Pickleball Club. The pair met on the day of the competition and went on to win all seven of their matches to claim gold.

“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and I travelled up to Auckland by myself,” Hayes said.

He said arriving at the tournament was a little daunting, with many players carrying professional-looking paddles and bags and wearing matching club shirts.

“Meanwhile, I had my New World shopping bag carrying my bat – or paddle, as they call it – along with a lunchbox of snacks and spare clothes.”

Hayes said he entered the doubles as a player looking for a partner and only met Mahe at the briefing before their first match.

The pair won four pool matches before progressing through two knockout matches to reach the final, where they won in straight sets.

However, it was the welcome he received from the Favona club that made the experience particularly memorable.

“Immediately after the final, while we were still on court, they presented me with one of their playing shirts and ‘adopted’ me into the club,” Hayes said.

“The cheers and applause were so loud; it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

Although he travelled to Auckland alone, Hayes said he felt included by the club members, who made him feel part of their team.

“Winning was wonderful, but that sense of belonging made the experience even more special.”

Hayes also competed in the men’s singles, in the all-ages division for players rated 3.99 and under.

He won his pool and progressed to the knockout rounds, where he lost 11–15 to 17-year-old Tevita Maliepo, also from Favona Pickleball Club, who went on to win gold.

The 44-year-old said it was only his second time competing in singles, although his background in tennis had helped him adapt to the sport.

Hayes first tried pickleball a few years ago when Whakatāne Tennis Club introduced it, but he has not played regularly.

“I can count on both hands the number of times I’ve played this year,” he said.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll play a little more now!”

He thanked Mahe for their successful doubles campaign, joking in a Facebook post that his partner had carried him to the finish.

“A huge thank you to my partner Viliami Mahe for such a fun day on court – hopefully your back isn’t too sore after carrying me all the way to the finish.”

More than 600 people competed across the different age and skill divisions at the tournament, held at Albany Sports Centre in Auckland from September 28 to October 4.

Hayes said the experience had encouraged him to play more and had prompted enquiries from people around Ōpōtiki interested in trying the sport.

He is in talks with Ōpōtiki College about potentially introducing pickleball in the college gymnasium, which could provide another opportunity for people to play locally.

He encouraged anyone interested in the sport to give it a go, saying it was suitable for all ages and abilities.

People interested in playing locally can contact the Pickleball Whakatāne Facebook page. Beginners and new players are welcome, with equipment supplied.