That's a wrap for Championship Sunday at the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Selkirk Texas Open! The day was filled with moments of exhilaration, nail-biting drama, and impressive athleticism, leaving fans and players alike awestruck.
Men's Singles: Ben Johns def. Jaume Martinez Vich 11-2, 7-11, 11-5.
The Men's Singles saw top seed Ben Johns solidifying his reputation as a dominant force on the pickleball court. The first game was a classic showcase of Johns' power and precision, as he seized control of the match and easily won 11-2 against 19th seed Jaume Martinez Vich. Yet, Vich wasn't about to let the match slip away. In a surprising turn of events, he fought back valiantly in the second game, utilizing smart, aggressive play to outwit Johns and secure an 11-7 win.
The final game was a thrilling spectacle, as Johns reasserted his dominance to claim the title. Despite Vich's persistent efforts, Johns proved why he's the top seed, adjusting his strategy to counter Vich's attacks and sealing the game 11-5. This decisive victory reaffirmed his commanding presence in the Men's Singles category.
Women's Singles: Anna Leigh Waters def. Lea Jansen 3-11, 14-12, 12-10.
The Women's Singles category was no less exciting. First seed Anna Leigh Waters squared off against second seed Lea Jansen in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, especially in the tightly contested second and third games. Jansen started strong, exhibiting a fantastic display of power and skill to win the first game 11-3, playing at an incredibly high level throughout. However, Waters remained unphased despite the slow start, reminding everyone of her incredible resilience.
In the second game, Waters turned the tide, winning a hard-fought and intense game 14-12 after battling through multiple Jansen match points. Carrying this momentum into the final game, Waters outlasted Jansen in another thrillingly close contest, winning 12-10. This match proved once again that Waters is the most dominant force to be reckoned with in the world of pickleball, but it also saw vast improvement from Jansen in yet another matchup with Waters.
Men's Doubles: Johns & Johns def. Frazier & Johnson 11-6, 11-4, 11-8.
Ben Johns made his return in the Men's Doubles, this time alongside his brother Collin Johns. The pair's teamwork and synergy were unmatched, taking down the third seeds, Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson, in straight games with scores of 11-6, 11-4, and 11-8.
Every rally was a display of the Johns brothers' exceptional understanding and coordination. From powerful serves to swift volleys, their gameplay kept spectators in awe. Their victory in this match further solidified their status as top contenders in the Men's Doubles category, displaying a blend of strategy, skill, and unmatched teamwork. This match saw particular patience in long dinking rallies up at the kitchen line, as well as stunning hand speed battles between competitors.
Women's Doubles: Parenteau & Waters def. Dizon & Wright 11-1, 11-3, 11-7.
In the Women's Doubles, Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters put on a display of sheer dominance. The top-seeded duo overpowered the seventh seeds Meghan Dizon and Etta Wright with a convincing straight-games victory, the scores 11-1, 11-3, and 11-7 reflecting their stronghold on the match and command as a duo.
Parenteau and Waters showed a wonderful display of teamwork and understanding, keeping their opponents on their toes throughout the match and complimenting each other well with poach plays and powerful putaways. Each point was a testament to their control over the game, from strategic positioning to powerful strikes. Their victory reaffirmed their perfect record as a team.
Mixed Doubles: Waters & Johns def. Newman & Newman 11-2, 8-11, 11-6.
Finally, the Mixed Doubles brought yet another show of dominance from Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. Despite a strong challenge from the third-seeded Lindsey and Riley Newman, Waters and Johns emerged victorious, showcasing their versatility and power on the court.
The Newmans managed to win the second game 11-8, demonstrating their skill and potential. Yet, the top seeds regrouped in the final game, balancing power and precision to secure an 11-6 win. With this victory, Waters and Johns added another title to their illustrious careers, once again proving their mettle as top contenders in the Mixed Doubles category and both securing triple crowns at this weekend's event.
As we conclude the recap of this thrilling Championship Sunday at the Selkirk Texas Open, fans look forward to the next PPA Tour event to tune into the pinnacle of professional pickleball. We invite all fans to keep following the adrenaline-packed PPA Tour, as the action continues next weekend in San Clemente, June 8-11. With the world's top players preparing for another round of competition, we're certain to witness more thrilling moments, unforgettable victories, and spectacular pickleball action.
