CIBC PPA Tour Finals Day 2: Thursday’s action at the CIBC PPA Tour Finals, presented by ROAR Organic, delivered drama, surprises, and thrilling competition. As players continued battling through pool play, several secured semifinal berths, while others found themselves in tight contests, vying for limited spots. Here are the key moments from an exciting day.
Shockwaves from an Upset
Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, dominant forces in 2024, faced an unexpected hurdle. Lacy Schneemann and Jorja Johnson stunned the top seeds in pool play, throwing their weekend progression into question.
To stay alive, Waters and Parenteau must beat Parris Todd and Tina Pisnik on Thursday. Although they remain favorites, the possibility of an early exit for the duo seemed unthinkable.
Defense Steals the Spotlight
Pickleball’s offense has surged with rapid drives, speedups, and relentless aggression dominating the courts. However, Thursday proved defense still has a place.
Allyce Jones and Tyra Black showed stellar defensive play to defeat Lucy Kovalova and Callie Smith. Their win, powered by countering, lobs, and sheer hustle, kept their hopes of advancing alive.
Connor Garnett Shocks Ben Johns
Connor Garnett handed Ben Johns an unexpected defeat in singles. While Garnett is a top-tier player, the bigger story was the aftermath.
The loss eliminated Johns from advancing to weekend play, regardless of Friday’s outcomes. Such a result was virtually unimaginable for one of the sport’s elite athletes.
Bar and Alshon Heat Up in the Cold
Dekel Bar and Christian Alshon closed Thursday with a thrilling match against Ben and Collin Johns. The duo overcame a slow start in the chilly evening to claim victory in three games. The win secured Bar/Alshon a spot in weekend play and added intrigue to the tournament’s unfolding narrative.
Friday’s Match to Watch
The men’s doubles pools remain fiercely competitive, with no clear frontrunners. Friday’s clash between Ben and Collin Johns and Gabe Tardio/JW Johnson promises unmatched intensity. Both teams are 1-1, and only one will advance to weekend play. The winner stays; the loser heads home.
News in Brief: CIBC PPA Tour Finals Day 2
Day 2 of the CIBC PPA Tour Finals delivered upsets and standout performances. Lacy Schneemann and Jorja Johnson toppled top seeds Waters/Parenteau, while Allyce Jones and Tyra Black’s defensive skills kept them in competiton.
Connor Garnett stunned Ben Johns, eliminating the latter from weekend play. Bar/Alshon secured their spot with a clutch win over the Johns brothers. Friday’s must-watch match will decide the fates of Ben/Collin Johns and Tardio/JW Johnson.
ALSO READ: How Men’s Doubles Stand After Day 2 of the CIBC PPA Tour Finals
