Spain and Italy crowned first FISU World University padel champions in Malaga

Italy won the men's title and Spain claimed both the women's and mixed crowns as the first FISU World University Championship Padel closed in Malaga on Saturday.

Twenty nations sent student-athletes to the Spanish coast for the inaugural edition, staged from July 6 to 11 and organised by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and the University of Malaga. Three events were on the line: men's, women's and mixed.

Italy rule the men's draw

The men's final was an all-Italian affair. Noa Bonnefoy and Michele Brambilla came through it to take gold, beating a second Italian pair. Spain settled for bronze on home soil.

Spain sweep at home

Spain had the women's title locked up before the final, with two home pairs meeting for gold. Laura Lujan and Agueda Perez won it, beating compatriots Ana Dominguez and Ana Sanchez. France took bronze.

Spain doubled up in the mixed event. Arnau Candelo and Marisol Fernandez beat France's Louise Bahurel and Nathan Courrin to complete the host nation's two-title haul.

"It was the first time we had played together," Perez said. "We're very happy to have won the first FISU World University Championship Padel here."

The result caps a busy week in Malaga, which turns straight to the Premier Padel Andalucia Malaga P1, starting Monday at the Martin Carpena arena.