Welcome to our day three wrap-up of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Orange County Cup. The anticipation was electric as players battled it out at the Life Time Fitness facility in San Clemente, with the day dedicated to gender doubles. The competition was fierce, and there was no shortage of impressive play and intense athleticism on display.
Men's Doubles: Johns Brothers to Face Wright & Newman
The Men's Doubles competition was brimming with high-intensity matches. Reigning supreme were the top-seeded brothers, Ben and Collin Johns, who launched their campaign with authority. They started their run with a dominating win against Roman Estareja and Colton Kellogg, posting an impressive 11-1, 11-6 scoreline.
Next, they powered through Ben Newell and Daniel De La Rosa (11-8, 11-5), followed by a decisive quarterfinal victory over Gabriel Tardio and Connor Garnett (11-5, 11-4). Demonstrating their prowess in the semifinals, the Johns brothers dismantled James Ignatowich and Tyson McGuffin with an emphatic 11-0, 11-3 win. Their consistent, commanding performances have set the stage for an exciting championship Sunday matchup.
Meanwhile, the second-seeded pair of Matt Wright and Riley Newman also displayed commendable tenacity. They commenced their journey by dispatching Wesley Gabrielson and Spencer Lanier (11-2, 11-4) before securing a comprehensive win over Rafa Hewett and Christian Alshon (11-2, 11-1). Their resilience was tested in the quarterfinals against Pablo Tellez and Federico Staksrud, but they pulled through (7-11, 11-3, 11-6), and then overcame Callan Dawson and Dekel Bar in a thrilling semifinal that featured a nerve-wracking second set (11-3, 13-11).
Women's Doubles: Waters & Parenteau Through to Final
In the Women's Doubles, top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau gave us a masterclass in powerful play and tactical finesse. They opened with a confident win over Lindsey Newman and Tina Pisnik (11-1, 11-3), demonstrating their impressive form. The quarterfinals posed a challenge as they faced off against Lea Jansen and Hurricane Tyra Black. Despite losing the first set, they turned the tide in their favor to clinch the match (7-11, 11-5, 11-6).
Now, Waters and Parenteau wait in the wings for their championship Sunday opponents, who will be decided in a thrilling morning semifinal. The contenders are second seeds Lucy Kovalova & Callie Smith, who will be battling it out against sixth seeds Marietta Wright & Irina Tereschenko for the coveted spot.
Looking Ahead: Championship Sunday
As we gear up for the Championship Sunday, the excitement is palpable. The day promises a spectacular showcase of pickleball, filled with strategic rallies, powerful volleys, and moments of nail-biting tension. Fans around the globe are eagerly waiting for the electrifying duels that will determine the Orange County Cup champions.
Remember to join us as the action continues at 10am PT tomorrow, with all the live action being streamed on the PPA Tour Youtube channel. You won't want to miss a minute of the thrilling conclusion of the PPA Orange County Cup.
