Maria Klokotzky’s Strong Finish: Maria Klokotzky of Russia earned the bronze medal in the women’s pro singles at the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic Cincinnati. She beat Shannon Pretorius from the United States in a close match on May 8 in Cincinnati, part of the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament.
A Tough Battle for Third Place
Maria Klokotzky and Shannon Pretorius were coming off semifinal losses and wanted to finish the tournament strong. The bronze medal match gave them a chance to prove their skill and take home a podium finish.
Back-and-Forth Games
Shannon Pretorius won the first game 15-11 by staying calm under pressure. But Maria Klokotzky fought back in the second game, winning 16-14 after a tight rally. The third and final game saw Klokotzky push through in extra points, taking it 17-15 to seal the victory.
Steady Play from Klokotzky
Maria Klokotzky used her strong returns and quick footwork to stay in the match. Her focus in the final game helped her outlast Shannon Pretorius in one of the closest matches of the day.
A Strong Finish at a Key Tournament
By winning the bronze, Maria Klokotzky proved her place among the top players in this major tournament. This strong finish could help boost her chances in future events, especially those that lead to the National Championships.
News in Brief: Maria Klokotzky’s Strong Finish
Maria Klokotzky of Russia defeated Shannon Pretorius of the United States to win the bronze medal in women’s pro singles at the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati. The match ended with scores of 11-15, 16-14, and 17-15 in Klokotzky’s favor.