The CERN Croquet Club hosted its annual International Gateball Singles and Doubles Tournament over the weekend, welcoming players from several European clubs for two days of friendly, yet competitive play.

The club was especially honoured to welcome Keiichi Imagawa, President of the World Gateball Union, who travelled from Japan especially to attend the tournament. His presence made the weekend particularly memorable for the organisers and players.

In the doubles competition, Udo Thome and Theo Densborn from Gransdorf, Germany, claimed the title after defeating Nina Underhill (SCE-SAM-FM) and her partner, Sylvie Mouquet from Beaune, France, in the final.

The singles competition concluded with a historic all-women final between doubles partners Nina and Sylvie. Nina secured the victory, becoming the first woman to win the tournament’s Singles Cup — an important milestone in the event’s history.

The CERN Croquet Club gives members the opportunity to enjoy three related but distinctive lawn sports: traditional Croquet, the fast-paced Japanese team sport of Gateball, and Lawn Bowls. The club welcomes both beginners and experienced players, offering regular playing sessions, coaching and friendly competitions in an international and sociable atmosphere.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants and thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s international tournament another great success.

For more information about the club, please visit croquet.web.cern.ch.