Mixed Doubles Recap of PPA Kansas City: The 2024 Selkirk Kansas City Open wrapped up an intense week and a half of competition, held in the sweltering mid-summer heat of Overland Park, Kansas. As a PPA 1000 event, it followed the standard schedule of one event per day, providing a clear view of the competition.
Fahey and Humberg: Unexpected Contenders
After impressing in Singles, Kate Fahey and Mari Humberg continued their strong performances on Mixed Doubles Friday. Despite being seeded in the 40s, both players advanced further than expected. Fahey, paired with PJ Kawka, upset two teams ranked in the teens before falling to the top-seeded duo of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters in the Round of 16. Similarly, Humberg and her partner CJ Klinger reached the Round of 16 but were narrowly defeated 11-9 by #6 Etta Wright and Christian Alshon.
Top Teams Make Their Mark
From the top half of the draw, #25 Hunter Johnson and Parris Todd made a significant impact, advancing to the semifinals. They overcame several veteran teams before succumbing to the top-ranked team later on Friday. The bottom half of the draw saw a shift in dynamics, with some drama surrounding the teams.
Sock and Parenteau Split Paths
Selkirk-sponsored players Matt Sock and Catherine Parenteau, who had been playing together all year, parted ways after failing to medal despite being top seeds. Parenteau teamed up with the dangerous Federico Staksrud, seeded 4th, while Sock joined forces with Lea Jansen, facing the #10 seed. The pair met in the quarterfinals after Sock and Jansen secured a solid win over Frazier and Black. Parenteau and Staksrud won that quarterfinal battle but were ultimately defeated in the semifinals by the Johnson siblings.
Johnson Siblings’ Thrilling Final
The final featured an epic battle between the top-ranked team of Johns and Waters and the Johnson siblings, JW and Jorja. The match was a marathon of nearly two hours, showing exceptional pickleball. Johns and Waters, after a dominant first-game defeat, fought back through a series of close games. The teams traded wins with scores of 12-10 in games two and three, while game four saw the Johnsons pull ahead 11-6. In the deciding fifth game, Johns and Waters clinched victory with an 11-2 win, preserving their top spot for now.
Final Standings
- Gold: Ben Johns & Anna Leigh Waters
- Silver: JW Johnson & Jorja Johnson
- Bronze: Federiko Staksrud & Catherine Parenteau
News in Brief: Mixed Doubles Recap of PPA Kansas City
The 2024 Selkirk Kansas City Open concluded after an intense week and a half in Overland Park, Kansas. Despite being seeded in the 40s, Kate Fahey and Mari Humberg made significant strides, with Fahey and partner PJ Kawka upsetting two higher-ranked teams before falling to top seeds Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters.
Meanwhile, Federico Staksrud and Catherine Parenteau, after parting ways with Matt Sock, reached the semifinals but lost to the Johnson siblings. In a thrilling final, Johns and Waters secured gold with a decisive 11-2 victory in the fifth game.
