Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Battle Back: In a thrilling semifinal showdown, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns proved their mettle, overcoming the No. 5 seeds Marietta Wright and Christian Alshon with a score of 11-2, 10-12, 11-6. Their performance solidified their place in the Championship Sunday mixed doubles final.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
The top-seeded duo wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the first game decisively. With sharp serves and well-placed shots, they capitalized on early struggles from Wright and Alshon, who struggled to maintain consistency in their third shots.
Waters and Johns’s aggressive play allowed them to secure the first game with ease, setting the stage for what looked to be a routine victory.
A Twist in the Second Game
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in Game 2. As the match progressed, a bizarre incident interrupted the flow of the game. With Waters and Johns leading 7-5, Alshon accidentally struck himself in the side of the head with his paddle during a follow-through.
The unexpected injury prompted a medical timeout for the 24-year-old player. Despite the setback, Alshon displayed remarkable resilience, rallying alongside Wright to clinch the second game.
Game Three: A Test of Nerves
In the deciding game, Waters and Johns quickly established a 4-1 lead. However, a series of uncharacteristic errors from Waters kept them stagnant at that score. Her counters, usually reliable, faltered momentarily, allowing Wright and Alshon to remain competitive.
Yet, the young star’s lapse in concentration was short-lived. Waters regained her rhythm just in time, and she and Johns surged ahead with a commanding 7-2 run to finish the match. This victory marked their fifteenth final together this year, showing their synergy and determination.
Championship Sunday Awaits
With this win, the top-seeded pair advances to face the winner of the second semifinal match between Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson and Catherine Parenteau and James Ignatowich. As they prepare for the final, Waters and Johns remain focused on claiming the title, adding another trophy to their impressive collection.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Battle Back
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns advanced to the mixed doubles final at the PPA Rate Las Vegas Championships with a 11-2, 10-12, 11-6 victory over Marietta Wright and Christian Alshon. After dominating the first game, a medical timeout for Alshon shifted momentum in Game 2, which Wright and Alshon won.
In the final game, Waters and Johns regained their composure, finishing strong with a 7-2 run. They will face the winner of the semifinal between Jorja and JW Johnson and Catherine Parenteau and James Ignatowich in the final.
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