HOUSTON — The 2023 APP Houston Open got underway on Wednesday, drawing hundreds of pickleball players of all ages to the city.
More than 500 players are expected to face off during the 5-day event. Wednesday's competition featured the masters division, which includes players ages 60 and older, and amateur doubles. Men's and women's pro singles games start on Thursday with more competitions through the weekend.
People traveled from all over to participate, including Clara Mantaux, who came all the way from Louisiana.
“I started playing early this summer. I played tennis in college and it’s a lot on the body. I was getting tired of it and wanted to try something new," she said.
Ryan Skufca, a competitor who won his first matchup on Wednesday, said he picked up the sport about two years ago.
"My in-laws are from Vietnam and I didn't have a whole lot in common with them, so I tried to pick up pickleball because I knew they were obsessed with it," he said.
"When we first started, we were getting our butts kicked by 70- and 80-year-olds on the daily," his wife, Elizabeth said.
"You can be on the court with a 65-year-old and a 9-year-old and I don't know if there's any sport in the world you can do that," Ryan said.
Spectators can get tickets for the event online starting at just $15 each. Kids ages 12 and younger can get in free with a parent or guardian.