Matthew Mann Minarik is the founder and president of the American Backyard Croquet Association, which he founded in 1986 and is the manufacturer of specialty croquet mallets. www.malletsbtmattminarik.com. In the following article, Matthew Mann Minarik discusses recent croquet-related news, such as the announcement of a brand-new Lisbon croquet club, André Murray’s titles and more.
Initially organized in 1850s England, croquet is now a near-worldwide sport boasting everything from local tournaments to global championships. The Association’s rules have necessitated strategic planning and formidable accuracy, giving a more “professional” atmosphere to the otherwise backyard hobby.
From the anticipated croquet club in Lisbon to the recent Rose Gardens tournament to the opening registration for the Over 50 GC World Championship, a lot has already happened in the world of croquet this year reports Matthew Mann Minarik.
Lisbon Area to Expect a Croquet Club
After the sport exhibited so much success in the Algarve, it’s planning to make its way into the Lisbon area.
In Portugal, Matthew Mann Minarik says that croquet is overseen by the Portuguese Croquet Association under the World Croquet Federation. And 2022 saw the ACC, open two pitches in collaboration with Benamor Golf Club.
However, after the local team placed second in the Tier 3 World Club Championship against English, Spanish, and German teams, fans and players alike noted the viability of a Lisbon-based pitch.
Matthew Mann Minarik reports that croquet is becoming increasingly popular in Spain and is already fashionable across Britain and the United States of America. Thus, there are plans in the pipeline for a Lisbon area croquet club.
André Murray Takes Two Titles at The Rose Gardens Croquet Tournament
Intimate understanding of the home turf counted for a lot during the six-day tournament at Rose Gardens Croquet Club as local players claimed victory in four out of six events.
As January entered its third week, Matthew Mann Minarik says that the tournament, which hosted competitors from south Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Wairarapa, and Manawatū-Whanganui, came to an end. And many players, especially André Murray, were delighted with their results.
The tournament began with a singles event for those with higher handicaps. Nicholas Flood, a known Rose Gardens member, won the match for handicap four and over, with Ian Blackman taking second place.
The event for players with a handicap of at least nine was won by Robin Brasell from Wairarapa, just clinching Terry Klein, a local player, to the title.
During the doubles event, Matthew Mann Minarik reports that André Murray and Josh Smith faced off against Sue Lea and Steve Jones, managing to hold on to their open doubles title with a tiebreak win.
The competition was a tense one, coming down to the very last round. And while both pairs had five wins, Murray and Smith boasted higher net points.
Murray also won the open singles again after a heartbreaking four-year abstinence. Playing against Smith in the final matchup, he scored 26-9, walking away with success.
Debbie Lines Wins the Women’s AC World Championship
Debbie Lines, a British player, recently beat Gabrielle Higgins, winning the Women’s AC World Championship on the weekend beginning January 14.
Matthew Mann Minarik says that it’s safe to say that fans shouldn’t have missed the final — it was a tense, dynamic game, ultimately seeing Lines come to victory with +23, -3t, +11t.
Getting to the final had been a somewhat breezy ride for this distinguished player. Lines won eight of nine in her block before blitzing Heather Knight, Shirley Howlett, and Alison Sharpe to cement her position in the last matchup.
Other British players involved in the championship had various fortunes and mishaps.
Beatrice McGlen lost to Miranda Chapman before being beaten in the semi-final to the Australian player, Kerri-Ann Organ.
With five wins in her block, Erica Malaiperuman went to the playoffs with Lorna Dewar from Scotland and Jane Morrison from Ireland. Unfortunately, Malaiperuman didn’t come away with a win here.
Although, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Malaiperuman went on to qualify for the consolation prize group and won the event.
Registration Now Open for The Over 50 GC World Championship
Registration for the Over 50 GC World Championship in Bunbury, Perth, Australia has opened for all hopefuls. The event will take play on October 14, 2023, and October 21, 2023. As per current reports, the expected entry fee is £136, with the event capacity sitting at 48.
Matthew Mann Minarik reports that players who don’t receive member places or rankings will head to two qualifying tournaments either in Western Australia, Cambridge Croquet Club, or Eastern Australia, Cairnlea Victoria, a few weeks before the main event.
