Top Stories from the PPA World Championships: The first PPA Tour World Championships was nothing short of spectacular. Over 3,500 players participated in the event, which was packed with excitement, from free country concerts to a star-studded celebrity pickleball showdown. The competition saw the venue expand from 30 courts to more than 80, and it showcased some of the finest pickleball the sport has to offer.
However, the weather played its usual tricks, with rain interrupting play early in the week. The city of Dallas experienced showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and heavy rainfall on Thursday, forcing many matches to be moved indoors. Thankfully, the weekend weather was perfect—sunny and in the 70s—allowing for an unforgettable conclusion to the competition.
The PPA Tour’s four “majors” are referred to as “Slams,” and the World Championships is arguably the most prestigious of the year. This event gathered every healthy player, creating a field so deep and competitive that even early round matches were thrilling. It was, without question, one of the most challenging and exciting tournaments in the history of professional pickleball.
Top Headlines: Women’s Doubles Drama
The Girlies’ Victorious Over Waters and Parenteau
A new rivalry has emerged in women’s doubles—one that will shape the future of the sport as we head into 2025. The showdown at Worlds marked the eighth meeting of Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters against Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright in the finals. Heading into the tournament, Waters and Parenteau led the series 5-2, but in Dallas, it was Rohrabacher and Bright who claimed victory, winning 11-4, 11-8, 11-6.
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The match was a one-sided affair from the beginning, as Rachel Rohrabacher’s offensive strategy overwhelmed Parenteau and Waters. By speeding up the play and targeting Catherine relentlessly, Rohrabacher, along with Bright, was able to keep the pair off balance.
Going into 2025, it’s clear that Waters and Parenteau remain the top team in women’s doubles, but Rohrabacher and Bright have proven they are contenders, inching closer to the top.
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Michael Loyd’s Cinderella Story
A Silver Medal Finish at the World Championships
Michael Loyd had an unforgettable run at the PPA World Championships, solidifying his status as a rising star in professional pickleball. Ranked 21st heading into the tournament, Loyd faced a tough draw, defeating Miguel Alda and Dave Bacalla in the first two rounds. However, his most impressive win came in the Round of 16, when he upset Ben Johns, 11-3, 11-9.
The surprises continued as Loyd beat JW Johnson 11-5, 12-10, securing a spot in the semifinals where he faced Quang Duong, a player who had recently handed him a tough loss at the PPA Guaranteed Rate Championships in Las Vegas. This time, however, Loyd turned the tables, winning 11-7, 11-8 over Quang Duong.
He eventually earned a silver medal, but was overpowered by top-ranked Federico Staksrud, who won the final 11-3, 11-7. Loyd’s impressive performances throughout 2024 have made him one of the most talked-about players heading into 2025.
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Quang Duong’s Strong Showing
A Solid Performance Despite Missing Medals
Despite not securing a medal at the World Championships, Quang Duong’s performance in Dallas left many impressed. The multi-time gold medalist was a contender for a triple crown at one point, competing in singles and doubles, before ultimately withdrawing from the singles bronze match to focus on his doubles events.
Teaming up with Anna Bright in mixed doubles, Duong earned a fourth-place finish, showing some electric play in his debut with the partner.
In men’s doubles, Duong partnered with CJ Klinger, and together, they pulled off an upset against Ben Johns and Collin Johns, the No. 1 seed, defeating them 11-1, 11-6. Though Duong didn’t walk away with a gold or silver, his performance further solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s best players.
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Riley Newman’s Long-Awaited Return to Glory
Gold Medal Victory with Hayden Patriquin
After a lengthy period away from the winner’s circle, Riley Newman is back on top, earning his first gold medal of 2024 at the PPA World Championships. Partnering with Hayden Patriquin, the duo defeated all comers to secure the gold, a perfect cap to Newman’s strong comeback following a contract dispute that kept him out of competition earlier in the year.
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Newman’s victory was made even more impressive by Patriquin’s versatile play. Having already won gold with Federico Staksrud earlier in the year, Patriquin solidified himself as one of the most versatile players on tour, winning medals with multiple partners. Newman and Patriquin’s partnership is one to watch as the new year approaches.
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The Race to the CIBC Finals
Players Scramble for Top Spots
As the 2024 season nears its end, players are fighting for a chance to compete in the CIBC Finals in San Clemente, California. Kate Fahey made another impressive run, securing a silver medal and propelling herself into the race for a finals spot. With the 1,600 points she earned, Fahey moved from 9th to 7th in the standings.
The battle is fierce, with Parris Todd and Mary Brascia jostling for the final spot in the women’s rankings. On the men’s side, Hunter Johnson moved into 5th place with a strong quarterfinal showing, while Riley Newman leapfrogged several players to secure his spot in the finals. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
News in Brief: Top Stories from the PPA World Championships
The 2024 PPA World Championships lived up to the hype with over 3,500 players, thrilling matches, and weather delays that made way for perfect weekend play. Top stories included a major upset in women’s doubles, where Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright defeated Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters.
Michael Loyd’s Cinderella run earned him a silver medal, while Riley Newman marked his comeback with a gold alongside Hayden Patriquin. Players are now battling for positions in the CIBC Finals.