Mixed Doubles Heat Up Day 2 of the PPA Selkirk Texas Open
The second day of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Selkirk Texas Open was an absolute masterclass in mixed doubles play. As the Texas sun blazed overhead, the world's top pickleball pairs clashed, displaying a stellar mix of power, precision, and strategic gameplay that left fans both on-site and at home on the edge of their seats.
Top Seeds Dominate, Setting Up a Championship Sunday Showdown
Unsurprisingly, the top-seeded pair, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, delivered strong performances throughout the day, solidifying their spot in the upcoming finals on Championship Sunday. Equally impressive were the third-seeded siblings, Lindsey and Riley Newman, who showcased their innate understanding of each other's playstyle to secure their own spot in the finals.
Waters and Johns showcased a blend of power and finesse that proved too much for the eighth seeds Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright. A decisive 11-6, 11-3 victory in the quarterfinals was a testament to their dominance. Their unstoppable form continued into the semifinals where they dispatched the fourth-seeded Anna Bright and Selkirk's James Ignatowich with a strong 11-4, 11-5 victory. Their ability to adapt and dictate the pace of play was truly a sight to behold, leaving no doubt of their readiness to secure another title.
On the other side of the bracket, the Newman duo showed why they are one of the most feared pairs in the game. They first overcame the 11th seeds, Lea Jansen and Travis Rettenmaier, in a hard-fought 11-7, 11-8 victory. Their relentless energy carried over into the semifinals, where they tackled the fifteenth-seeded Meghan Dizon and Federico Staksrud with a confident 11-4, 11-6 triumph. Their synergy and consistency were key to their success, setting the stage for an epic showdown against Waters and Johns.
New Partnership Dizon & Staksrud Make Waves, Upsetting Higher Seeds
However, it was the new partnership of Meghan Dizon and Federico Staksrud that stole the show and captured the heart of spectators. As fifteenth seeds, they displayed a level of tenacity and firepower that shocked the crowd and their opponents. Their resilience led to awe-inspiring upsets against the second seeds Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin as well as the tough sibling duo in the seventh seeded Jorja & JW Johnson. While their run was ended by the Newmans in the semifinals, their performance left a lasting impression. This new partnership is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on as their chemistry and skill level only promise to improve in future competitions.
Day 3 Promises More Thrills with Gender Doubles Play
As the thrilling day of mixed doubles action came to a close, anticipation builds for the third day of the PPA Selkirk Texas Open. The tournament continues tomorrow with gender doubles play, promising another day filled with intense rallies, tactical plays, and high-flying smashes. Fans across the globe can join the action live on the PPA Tour YouTube channel, with coverage starting at 10am CT. Brace yourself for another electrifying day of pickleball action.
