PPA Mesa Arizona Cup:
The PPA Tour returned to Arizona for the third event of the year, the PPA Mesa Arizona Cup. Featuring the progressive draw format, the week was full of intense match-ups as well as some exciting upsets.
Men’s Doubles - PPA Mesa Arizona Cup:
In the Men’s Doubles category, the journey to the finals was full of intense matchups and unexpected twists. Andrei Daescu & Gabe Tardio showcased their prowess on the court, facing opponents like Ben Johns & Collin Johns in the Round of 16. They were able to upset the one seed with scores of 11-6, 11-5. They continued their impressive run with victories in subsequent rounds, including a commanding performance against Pat Smith & Jay Devilliers in the Quarterfinals with scores of 11-2, 11-6. In the semifinals they toppled Riley Newman & Thomas Wilson with scores of 11-9, 11-8. However, their path was halted by the formidable duo of JW Johnson & Dylan Frazier in a closely contested final match, ultimately losing with scores of 11-3, 11-8, 11-9.
Men’s Singles - PPA Mesa Arizona Cup:
The most notable appearance in Men’s Singles at the PPA Mesa Arizona Cup was by Cason Campbell. The 43rd seed upset top players like Collin Shick and Dylan Frazier before falling to Jack Sock in the Quarterfinals. Ben Johns rejoined the podium in the Men’s Singles category after a two-tournament hiatus. His journey culminated in a commanding performance against Federico Staksrud, securing the title 11-8, 11-4. This marks the third different Men’s Singles champion for the year.
Mixed Doubles - PPA Mesa Arizona Cup:
The Mixed Doubles category provided fans with exhilarating matches as pairs battled for supremacy on the court. Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns took down the newer partnership of Catherine Parenteau and Jack Sock in the quarterfinals 7-11, 11-2, 11-7. Vivienne David and Thomas Wilson battled Anna Bright and James Ignatowich in the semifinals, winning 11-9, 11-7. In the finals, Waters and Johns continued their domination with a three-set shutout of 11-4, 11-1, 11-9.
Women’s Doubles - PPA Mesa Arizona Cup:
Women’s Doubles at the PPA Mesa Arizona Open saw some new partnerships making waves. Milan Rane and Bobbi Oshiro took out Lauren Stratton and Lea Jansen in the Round of 16. In the semifinals, Etta Wright and Meghan Dizon bested Anna Bright and Vivienne David with scores of 11-9, 11-9. Catherine Parenteau & Anna Leigh Waters continued their undefeated streak as a partnership. Their journey to the finals culminated in a hard-fought battle against Meghan Dixon & Etta Wright, where they emerged victorious after a closely contested match, securing the title with scores of 11-3, 12-10, 12-10.
Women’s Singles - PPA Mesa Arizona Cup:
The Women’s Singles category saw the usual faces on the podium. However, Anna Bright was a pleasant addition to the draw after a long break from singles. Bright fell in the quarterfinals to Lea Jansen, 1-11, 11-7, 11-7. Jansen went on to fall to Anna Leigh Waters in the Semifinals. Anna Leigh Waters easily advanced through the rounds to face off against Mary Brascia in the finals. Waters secured the championship title after a captivating match against Brascia, winning with scores of 11-0, 11-8. Jansen earned bronze by the default of Devidze.
Next Up:
The PPA Tour now travels to the Midwest for the first indoor tournament of the year. The PPA Indoor Championships will be help at a Lifetime facility in Lakeville, MN.
Medal List:
Ben Johns: Gold – Mixed Doubles, Gold – Men’s Singles
Federico Staksrud: Silver – Men’s Singles
Etta Wright: Silver – Women’s Doubles
Lea Jansen: Bronze – Women’s Singles
