Top Highlights from PPA Bristol Open: The PPA Bristol Open delivered electrifying moments and standout performances across all categories. Brooke Buckner shone with back-to-back golds, while Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters reaffirmed their dominance in women’s doubles. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters continued their mixed doubles supremacy, and Quang Duong and Christian Alshon made a significant impact, securing their first men’s doubles gold together.
Brooke Buckner’s Back-to-Back Gold Medals
In an impressive display of skill and resilience, Brooke Buckner clinched back-to-back gold medals in Women’s Singles at the PPA Bristol Open. Buckner’s dominance this year is notable, with only Anna Leigh Waters matching her in terms of consecutive championships. With three gold medals in total this year—second only to Waters—Buckner solidifies her position as one of the top ball strikers on tour.
Managing her way to the title, Buckner, the No. 5 seed, showed her skills:
- Defeated No. 26 Emilia Schmidt: 11-3, 11-4
- Outlasted No. 9 Lacy Schneemann: 11-5, 8-11, 12-10
- Overcame No. 2 Catherine Parenteau: 11-7, 11-8
- Bested No. 4 Salome Devidze: 11-1, 11-7
The championship match, played indoors due to inclement weather, was a thrilling spectacle. Kaitlyn Christian took the first game with ease, 11-3, but Buckner surged back with determination, winning the next two games decisively: 11-3, 11-7.
With her performance at Bristol, Buckner is well-positioned for the PPA Finals in December, currently sitting fourth in the standings before factoring in her Bristol points.
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Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters: The Unrivaled Duo
When it comes to Women’s Doubles, Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters remain the undisputed leaders. Despite the strong competition from Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright, Parenteau and Waters showed unmatched consistency and adaptability. Their record speaks volumes: 104-1 in combined matches and 21-1 in PPA Finals.
In their recent clash, Parenteau and Waters executed their game plan with precision, dominating Rohrabacher and Bright. They mixed powerful baseline shots with aggressive dinks at the kitchen line, winning 11-6, 11-6, and 11-4. Their ability to adapt and execute consistently makes them the premier team in women’s doubles.
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Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters: Dominance in Mixed Doubles
In mixed doubles, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters continue to set the standard. Their partnership boasts a staggering 97 percent win rate, with a career record of 187-6. At the Bristol Open, they were unstoppable, finishing the tournament with a 75 percent win rate and not losing a single game.
Johns and Waters faced a new challenge in the finals against Christian Alshon and Anna Bright but made quick work of them, winning 11-3, 11-1, and 11-4. Their ability to consistently outperform their opponents solidifies their status as the best mixed doubles team in history.
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The Johns Brothers Fall Short; Duong and Alshon Claim Gold
In the men’s doubles, Quang Duong and Christian Alshon made a memorable debut together on the PPA Tour. As the No. 8 seed, their path to the championship included significant victories:
- Round of 32: Defeated (28) Dusty Boyer/Naveen Beasley: 11-3, 9-11, and 11-3
- Round of 16: Overcame (10) Brandon French/Julian Arnold: 11-5 and 11-2
- Quarterfinals: Beat (28) Anderson Scarpa/Greg Dow: 11-4 and 11-0
- Semifinals: Surpassed (6) Pablo Tellez/Jay Devillieres: 11-8 and 11-8
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In the finals, Duong and Alshon employed a relentless drive-and-crash strategy that kept the Johns brothers off balance. Despite the Johns’ efforts to slow the pace, Duong and Alshon controlled the match, winning the first two games 11-7 and 11-7. The third game was a nail-biter, with Duong and Alshon ultimately prevailing 12-10. This victory marked their first men’s doubles gold together and Duong’s first career gold, a significant milestone for the pair.
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News in Brief: Top Highlights from PPA Bristol Open
The PPA Bristol Open showed thrilling pickleball action, with Brooke Buckner winning back-to-back gold medals in Women’s Singles and solidifying her spot as a top contender for the PPA Finals. Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters continued their dominance in Women’s Doubles, extending their impressive win streak.
Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters reaffirmed their supremacy in Mixed Doubles with an undefeated run. In Men’s Doubles, Quang Duong and Christian Alshon, making their debut together, clinched gold by overcoming the Johns brothers in a gripping final. The event highlighted exceptional skill and set the stage for an exciting PPA season finale.
Also Read: Brooke Buckner Secures Bristol PPA Title with a Dramatic Comeback
