Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum’s Thrilling Comeback: Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum secured a quarterfinal victory at the PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup on April 24, 2025, in St. Johns, Auckland. They defeated Sarah Paea and Feiloakitohi Tavalea in three games, 11-0, 10-12, 11-4, moving forward in the Pro Mixed Doubles Qualifier for players rated 5.0 and above.
The win came as part of the national-level tournament held in New Zealand. The qualifier is a crucial step for competitors aiming to earn top placement and continue through the PPA Tour NZ circuit.
Dominant Start and Comeback Finish
Mildwaters and Baum began the match with full control, shutting out their opponents 11-0 in the first game. Their strong coordination and consistent returns left Paea and Tavalea unable to respond.
However, the second game shifted the momentum. Paea and Tavalea found their rhythm and fought back, narrowly taking the game 12-10. Their improved communication and net play pushed the match to a deciding game.
In the third and final game, Mildwaters and Baum regained focus. They played a steady and aggressive style, limiting errors and finishing the match with a clear 11-4 win.
Path to the Semifinals
By winning this quarterfinal match, Mildwaters and Baum have advanced to the semifinals. Their performance shows they are a strong team capable of bouncing back under pressure. As the competition gets tougher, their ability to stay composed could be key to their success in the tournament.
News in Brief: Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum’s Thrilling Comeback
Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum won their Pro Mixed Doubles quarterfinal match at the PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup in Auckland on April 24, 2025. They defeated Sarah Paea and Feiloakitohi Tavalea in three games, 11-0, 10-12, 11-4, and advanced to the next round of the tournament.