The PPA Atlanta Open came to a close today with five exciting championship Sunday matches. Let’s breakdown what transpired across each match beginning with women’s singles.
Women’s Singles Championship: Todd Gives Waters True Test
No one has been able to give Anna Leigh Waters any trouble in singles this year. Parris Todd did today as she jumped out to an early 10-4 lead in game one but Waters was able to climb back to win the next eight points to take game one 12-10. That didn’t stop Todd from continuing to bring maximum pressure from the back of the court as she saved multiple match points to win game two 12-10. Game three went the #1 seeds way 11-5 but Todd proved that she may be the top contender to Waters in women’s singles this season.
Men’s Singles: Johns One Step Ahead
Ben Johns looked one step ahead of Federico Staksrud in the men’s singles final as the new #1 in the world showed frustrated at every turn. Johns controlled the kitchen line and was able to neutralize Staksrud’s greatest weapon, the forehand passing shot. Johns won the match comfortably 11-3, 11-7 proving he is still the guy to beat if he can make it Sunday.
Women’s Doubles Championship: #1 Seeds Pull Away After Game 1
Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau got off to a shaky start in game one, falling behind 9-4 but they erased the deficit quickly after a timeout and never looked back. Jade Kawamoto and Andrea Koop did their best to defend and counterattack but the relentless offense from Waters and Parenteau was just too much to handle as they won 11-9, 11-2, 11-8 to claim the title.
Men’s Doubles Championship: Frazier & Johnson Win in 4
Matt Wright and Federico Staksrud did their best to put pressure on Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson early in points. They succeeded in game one winning 11-4 but the #2 seeds adjusted well and slowed the tempo down, forcing Staksrud and Wright into low percentage attacks as the match wore on. Johnson and Frazier ultimately forced enough errors to take the match in four games, winning the final three 11-3, 11-7, 11-5.
Mixed Doubles Championship: Johns & Waters over Ignatowich & Bright
James Ignatowich and Anna Bright lost a competitive game one 11-7 and jumped out to a 9-4 lead in game two but they failed to capitalize on multiple service opportunities to extend the lead. That was enough to allow Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters to creep back in as they won the next seven points to take game two 11-9. In game three it was all Ignatowich and Bright as they won 11-0 but they couldn’t back it up to force a game 5. Johns & Waters remain undefeated on the year, having lost their last match back in December to Ignatowich & Bright in pool play at the PPA Tour Finals.
