It was another eventful day of pro pickleball in Cary, North Carolina. The progressive draw format at PPA events this year has delivered a lot more drama and today was no different. Let’s take a look at who was able to stamp their ticket to Championship Saturday.
Men’s Singles: Ben Johns Defeats Quang Duong in Three Games
Quang Duong came out firing off both wings and took an early one game lead on the world #1. Ben was able to make adjustments and force Quang into more difficult passing shots which made the difference in the end. Quang continues to show steady improvement in his singles game and it won’t be long till we see him on Championship Sunday. Johns will face Christian Alshon in the semifinals. The winner will face either Federico Staksrud or Connor Garnett in the finals.
Women’s Singles: Parenteau and Devidze to Meet Again
Catherine Parenteau comfortably defeated Genie Bouchard 11-5, 11-4 to set up another matchup with Salome Devidze. Devidze has won the last two matchups so look for Parenteau to come out fast early to try and gain a lead. The winner will face either Anna Leigh Waters or Lea Jansen in the finals.
Mixed Doubles: Fought & Brascia Continue Magical Run
No one has been able to solve Todd Fought and Maggie Brascia this week. They have now taken down James Ignatowich/Anna Bright, Julian Arnold/Parris Todd, and Hayden Patriquin/Lea Jansen. The #22 seeds are one match away from Championship Sunday but will have to take out another hot team in Dekel Bar/Tina Pisnik who defeated Jack Sock/Catherine Parenteau in three games today. Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns vs Thomas Wilson/Vivienne David is the other featured semifinal.
Men’s Doubles: Tellez/Staksrud Advance
Pablo Tellez and Federico Staksrud had big leads in both game 1 and game 2 vs Connor Garnett/Travis Rettenmaier but both games ended in two-point contests, 14-12, 12-10. This is the best this duo has looked all season and they have a great chance to make their first final of the year as they will face Augustus Ge/Jaume Martinez Vich tomorrow. The top half of the draw will be a battle between the Johns brothers and Tyson McGuffin/Dekel Bar.
Women’s Doubles: Parenteau and Todd Look Sharp in QFs
Catherine Parenteau/Anna Leigh Waters advanced today over Lauren Stratman/Allyce Jones 11-5, 11-9. It sets up an intriguing semifinal with Etta Wright/Meghan Dizon. On the bottom half of the draw Hurricane Tyra Black/Parris Todd battled back in game 3 to defeat Jackie Kawamoto/Lucy Kovalova. They’ll have to get by Vivienne David/Lacy Schneemann if they want a chance to play for gold.
On the Horizon
Semifinal Saturday kicks off at 11AM EST on PickleballTV. Doesn’t miss any of the action as everyday of this tournament has yet to disappoint.
