Championship Sunday was full of big names. Gabe Tardio has been the guy to beat in men's doubles over the past month. Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher were looking for their 5th gold of the season together. Last but not least James Ignatowich was looking to secure two golds, something he hasn’t done since Minnesota in February of 2023. Lets breakdown all five championship matches starting with women’s singles.
Women’s Singles Championship: Kate Fahey secures first gold medal
Kate Fahey has bursted onto the PPA scene over the past few months. Most known for her MLP premier draft selection by captain Anna Bright, Fahey is starting to make a name for herself in women's singles. She finished 2nd in Kansas City just a few weeks ago. She took it a step further in Salt Lake City, defeating Kaitlyn Christian in three tight games. Her two handed backhand was able to beat the length of Christian up at the kitchen line in the big moments.
Men’s Doubles Championship: Daescu & Tardio win in straights
Matt Wright and James Ignatowich played well but Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio played better. They gave nothing away from first serve and made Wright and Ignatowich work for every single point they earned. It wore the #3 seeds down as they were unable to string a run of points together, losing 11-6, 11-6, 11-1.
Women’s Doubles Championship: Bright & Rohrabacher in 4 games
Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher stumbled a bit in game 2 and the early parts of game 3 but made a key adjustment that ultimately won them the match. They slowed down the tempo and kept their dinks in the middle of the court, away from the dangerous Mari Humberg backhand flick. It didn’t allow Johnson or Humberg to create many opportunities as the #1 seeds pulled away to win the match in four games to secure their 5th gold medal of the season.
Men’s Singles Championship: Federico Staksrud dominant
The crowd was definitely on Connor Garnett’s side in this one but it didn’t seem to matter as Federico Staksrud looked like he was playing in a perfect flow state. He could do no wrong, whether it was defending the Garnett attacks from the back of the court or hitting passing shots by Garnett on serve. He took the match 11-2, 11-4.
Mixed Doubles Championship: Tardio & Irvine pull off the upset
The mixed doubles match was tight throughout, with each game coming down to the wire but the difference was the veteran Jessie Irvine who kept Ignatowich and Bright guessing with her forehand attacks off the bounce. Irvine plays a unique style, positioning herself several feet off the kitchen line but she used her experience and savvy to her advantage in this match. Her level allowed Tardio to pick balls off in the middle and they did just enough to win the match in straights.
On the Horizon
The last tournament in the four week stretch will commence in Las Vegas, Nevada where the pros will play indoors at the Fontainebleau. Make sure to follow the PPA on social media for updates on the draw and stream schedule.
