Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Win PPA Final: In the heart of Overland Park, Kansas, Championship Sunday at the PPA Tour’s Selkirk Kansas City Open delivered a spectacle that few will soon forget. Championship matches rarely stretch to five games, yet when the likes of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns take on the sibling duo of Jorja and JW Johnson, surprises are always on the table. The two teams have a history, their most recent encounter in June’s Select Medical Orange County Cup resulting in a thrilling comeback win for Waters and Johns after saving five match points. Sunday’s showdown was set to be just as intense.
Early Dominance and a Shocking Comeback
The match began with the top seeds, Waters and Johns, asserting their dominance in Game 1 with an 11-2 win. However, the Johnson siblings quickly regrouped, clawing their way back to take Game 2, 12-10. The real drama unfolded in Game 3. The Johnsons stormed ahead, building commanding leads of 6-0 and 9-2. It seemed as though they were assured to seize control of the match. But in a display of sheer determination and grit, Waters and Johns mounted a furious rally, stealing the game 12-10.
The Johnsons’ Resilience
A collapse like that might have signaled the end for most teams. Yet, the Johnsons proved their mettle by responding with a strong performance in Game 4, taking it 11-6 and forcing a deciding fifth game. The momentum seemed to swing back in their favor, and the crowd braced for a potential upset.
| Name | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 |
| B. Johns A. Waters |
11 | 10 | 12 | 6 | 11 |
| J. Johnson J. Johnson |
2 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 2 |
Waters and Johns Seal the Deal
But in the final game, Waters and Johns showed why they are the top-ranked duo. They elevated their play to another level, racing to an 11-2 victory in just nine minutes. It was a decisive finish that left no doubt about their place at the pinnacle of the sport. This marked their ninth title of the year, but the match also highlighted the growing rivalry between these two pairs.
A Rivalry to Watch
As the 2024 season progresses, the rivalry between Waters/Johns and the Johnson siblings promises to be one of the sport’s most compelling storylines. The Johnsons have pushed the top seeds to the brink multiple times in recent months, and it’s clear that these battles are far from over.
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News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Win PPA Final
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns secured their ninth title of the year at the PPA Tour’s Selkirk Kansas City Open, winning over siblings Jorja and JW Johnson in an intense five-game match. After dominating the first game 11-2, Waters and Johns faced fierce resistance, with the Johnsons taking the second game 12-10 and nearly seizing control in the third.
Despite trailing 9-2 in Game 3, the top seeds rallied to win 12-10. The Johnsons claimed Game 4, but Waters and Johns decisively closed out the match with an 11-2 victory in the final game. The thrilling match highlighted the growing rivalry between these top-tier teams as the 2024 season continues.
Also Read: Ben and Collin Johns’ Strong Run at PPA Kansas City Doubles
