LONG–distance travel hasn’t deterred the competitive efforts of Port Stephens pickleball warriors Tony Mayers and John McDonald.

The pair recently participated at the Queensland State Championships in Morayfield – the largest pickleball tournament in the southern hemisphere with some 530 players filling 22 indoor courts.

Mayers and McDonald linked up in the plus-60 years mens doubles under 3.49 category along with 18 other teams and forced their way into the quarter finals after earlier winning three of their four round robin fixtures.

An excited Mayers told News Of The Area that reaching the last eight at the Queensland titles was “a huge effort.”

“The men’s doubles event always attracts a strong field and John and I managed to beat some tough teams to progress,” he reflected.

McDonald later teamed up with Kerrie from Bli Bli in Queensland in the plus-50 years under 3.49 division and acquitted themselves well.

Mayers teamed up in the same division with Kiwi player Betty Maitland from Keri Keri in New Zealand and won three of their five games.

Nelson Bay PCYC in Austral Street have organised a free pickleball open day on Wednesday August 2 for prospective players aged 16 and over from 6pm to 8pm. For more information phone 4981 3099.

By Chris KARAS