Nederlands
As a part of the qualification process to the World Padel Championship Lisbon 2016, The Netherlands will play a round robin (group A) tournament from 1-3rd June in Vilnius, Lithuania. Other countries participating in group A are United Kingdom, Lithuania and Finland.
The Orange Padel Team
The Dutch Team will be represented by eight players from different regions and clubs of Holland, including Marcel Bogaart (Capt), Bram Meijer, Peter Bruijsten, Joost Snellink, Berend Boers, Jeroen Nigten, Uriel Maarsen and Kees-Jan Schuilenburg. In the selection made by National Coach Norberto Nesi, most players have three or more years of experience playing padel. Others are making a fast transition from a high level of tennis into padel.
The Opponents
The opponents of the Dutch team include the young teams of Finland and Lithuania. With regards to their level, Finland and Lithuania are a mystery. There is not much to say about them other than that the sport has recently been introduced to their countries. Their squads are likely to include high level tennis players.
Different is the case of the United Kingdom. Lead by National Team Coach Mauricio Andrini, the team includes highly experienced padel players such as Tom Murray. “We have a better team than in the 2014 Qualifications in Gent, Belgium. We are highly committed. Each player paid for his own expenses. We believe we can win the qualifications”, Mauricio Andrini, Coach UK. Perhaps Andrini is right to recall their 2014 experience. In Gent, Belgium, the UK lost the qualification against the stronger Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Most likely the competition will be either won by the UK or The Netherlands. They are considered favorites to win the spot at the World Padel Championship.
Group B will take place in Basel, Switzerland in August. France, Monaco, Switzerland and Austria will compete for one more place in the world Cup. Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Paraguay, USA, Portugal (host), Italy, Uruguay, Sweden, Chile and Mexico are prequalified to the World Cup.
