PPA Virginia Beach Cup Mixed Doubles: The Mixed Pro Doubles draw at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup started with a blend of familiar partnerships and surprising outcomes. As players played through the early rounds, the evolving dynamics of mixed doubles became apparent, setting the stage for thrilling competition.
Upsets and Unforeseen Challenges
In the early rounds, #22 Roscoe Bellamy and Callie Smith secured an upset victory before meeting the formidable duo of #1 Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters in the round of 16. Their exit came swiftly, but not without leaving a mark on the tournament.
Meanwhile, #23 Collin Shick and Brooke Buckner capitalized on an injury-afflicted Tyson McGuffin and Jade Kawamoto. McGuffin’s struggles, having withdrawn from singles and suffered an early exit in Men’s, cast a shadow on their performance. Despite their challenges, Shick and Buckner’s victory showed their resilience in the face of adversity.
The Reunion of Arnold and Stratman
The tournament took an intriguing turn later in the week with the reunion of Julian Arnold and Lauren Stratman. The pair, who had experienced a “mini-divorce” over the summer, rejoined forces as the #14 seed. Their chemistry was undeniable as they advanced past #3 Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu in the 16s, a thrilling upset that reverberated through the draw.
However, their journey came to an end against the seasoned team of #7 Kelli Pisnik and Bar, highlighting their potential and the challenges of intense competition.
Newman and Kawamoto’s Strong Run
Adding to the excitement, #11 Riley Newman teamed up with Jackie Kawamoto, showcasing their skills with a spirited run to the semifinals. Their path included a significant win over #4 seed Alshon and Parenteau, showing Newman’s exceptional weekend and ability to adapt to various partnerships.
The Heavyweight Final: Johns and Waters vs. Johnson and Johnson
As the tournament progressed, anticipation built for the inevitable final showdown between the top-seeded pair of Johns and Waters and the sibling duo of JW and Jorja Johnson.
The Johnsons cruised into the final, not dropping a game and appearing unchallenged throughout the tournament. In contrast, Johns and Waters delivered a commanding performance, handing Newman and Kawamoto a donut in the semifinals.
The final match echoed the tactical brilliance fans have come to expect from these elite teams. This marked the ninth meeting between the pairs in 2024, and once again, Johns and Waters emerged victorious, extending their unbeaten streak to 9-0 for the season with a decisive four-game win.
News in Brief: PPA Virginia Beach Cup Mixed Doubles
The Mixed Pro Doubles at the PPA Virginia Beach Cup featured notable upsets and thrilling matchups. #22 Roscoe Bellamy and Callie Smith secured an early upset before falling to top seeds Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. #23 Collin Shick and Brooke Buckner capitalized on an injury-stricken Tyson McGuffin and Jade Kawamoto, while Julian Arnold and Lauren Stratman reunited to shock #3 Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu.
#11 Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto made a strong run to the semifinals. In the final, Johns and Waters faced JW and Jorja Johnson, winning decisively and remaining unbeaten against them this season.
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