The Saskatchewan Pickleball Provincial Championship was held over the weekend in Regina, drawing competitors from across Saskatchewan.
Just one player made the trip from North Battleford and happened to return home with a medal in every division he entered.
Les Semchuk, who is 70 years old, won gold in 63-plus mixed doubles, silver in 67-plus men’s doubles and bronze in 60-plus men’s singles.
“I actually went there expecting to win at least two, if not all three gold medals,” said Semchuk.
In mixed doubles, Semchuk and his partner, Colleen Moniuk, posted a perfect 5-0 record on their way to gold.
“We have been playing together now for two or three years,” he said. “We kind of know what to expect.”
Semchuk had a less familiar partner in men’s doubles, teaming up with Jack Stack. The pair went 3-0 in the round robin before falling in three games in the final to settle for silver.
The lone Battlefords Pickleball Club representative also held a comfortable lead in the men’s singles semifinal before falling short and eventually winning bronze.
“I expected to win gold because I won gold in that event last year, so I was a little surprised,” he said. “But you never know — sports is sports.”
Semchuk started playing pickleball just four years ago but has since moved into provincial and national competition. He said his background in several racquet sports has helped sharpen his game.
“The stroke I’m using on my forehand and backhand side resembles table tennis very much,” said Semchuk, who added that singles is similar to tennis because players spend more time deeper in the court.
His badminton background has also helped.
“The court is the same size as a badminton court. I played so much badminton, it’s very easy for me to judge whether the ball is in or out.”
Though he competed at nationals last year, Semchuk said he does not expect to make the trip to Toronto this year. Semchuk spends the winter months playing pickleball in Arizona, so provincials marked his final tournament of the year.
“Once provincials are done, I hang up my paddle.”
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