PPA Tour NZ Pickleball Cup Mixed Doubles Quarterfinals: Ela Vakaukamea Jr. and Semisi Fanguna won a key match at the PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup on April 24, 2025, defeating Aleisha Horridge and Michael Russ in the Pro Mixed Doubles Qualifier quarterfinals at St. Johns, Auckland, New Zealand. They claimed victory in straight games, 11-7, 11-5.
The Auckland event is part of the professional pickleball circuit, attracting top players from New Zealand and beyond. This match was a qualifier for the Pro Mixed Doubles category, restricted to players ranked 5.0 and above.
Strong Teamwork Secures Victory
Vakaukamea Jr. and Fanguna showed strong chemistry and control from the start. Their precise shots and quick court movement helped them take the first game 11-7. In the second game, they increased their intensity, holding off a brief rally from their opponents before closing it out 11-5.
The match ended in two straight games, showing the pair’s growing form in the tournament. Their ability to maintain pressure and minimize errors played a big part in their success.
Next Steps in the Tournament
With this win, Vakaukamea Jr. and Fanguna move on to the semifinals. The competition will become tougher, but their recent performance signals they could be strong contenders for the title.
What This Means Going Forward
Their win places them among the top mixed doubles pairs in the Auckland event. If they keep up this level of play, they could go far in the PPA Tour NZ. A strong showing could boost their rankings and open doors to more major tournaments in the season ahead.
News in Brief: PPA Tour NZ Pickleball Cup Mixed Doubles Quarterfinals
Ela Vakaukamea Jr. and Semisi Fanguna won their quarterfinals match at the PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup on April 24, 2025, in Auckland. They defeated Aleisha Horridge and Michael Russ 11-7, 11-5 in the Pro Mixed Doubles Qualifier, moving on to the next stage of the tournament.