Croquet World Champion to be crowned in Venice this week

Croquet championship arrives in Sarasota

FOX 13’s Lloyd Sowers reports.

VENICE, Fla. - Many of us remember playing croquet in our parents' backyard, but in Venice, they're going to crown a Croquet World Champion this week.

The World Under 21 Championship is being held at Wellfield Park in Venice.

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What they're saying:

"They’re having a great time and all of a sudden they realize they can send them all the way to the bushes and beyond. They have a great synergy with each other," said Damon Bidencope, the president of the U.S. Croquet Association.

Mathilda, 18, from Germany is a top competitor.

"Compared to Germany, it's really hot," she laughed. "It's still winter in Germany."

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Dig deeper:

Men and women compete together in this game, which became popular in England in the mid-1800's. Using mallets, competitors hit their balls through hoops, and the first one that scores seven wins.

"We are very excited to have croquet being played in a public park which it is here," said Bidencope. "It’s a wonderful setting."

It's the first time the World Championships have been held in Sarasota County. Play will continue through Friday, when a champion will be crowned.

Spectators are welcome and there's no admission charge.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered through interviews with U.S. Croquet Association President Damon Bidencope and competitor Mathilda.

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