CIBC PPA Tour Finals Recap: The 2024 PPA season wrapped up on Sunday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente, culminating in the highly anticipated CIBC PPA Tour Finals. The weekend delivered unforgettable moments, with standout performances across doubles and mixed doubles categories.
Women’s Doubles: A Riveting Rivalry
When Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau face off against Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright, it’s always a spectacle. Game one of the finals had spectators believing Rachel and Anna had the edge, with the match looking out of reach for Waters and Parenteau.
But the two women made the necessary adjustments, roaring back to secure the win and claim the title in a thrilling display of resilience and strategy.
The weekend also saw unexpected players rise to the occasion. Jessie Irvine and Mari Perez, who initially did not qualify for the finals, entered after other competitors withdrew.
Despite being heavy underdogs, the duo exceeded expectations, advancing through the rounds with impressive play, including a comeback victory on Friday that propelled them into the semifinals.
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Mixed Doubles: Dominance and New Partnerships
Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters continue to prove themselves an unstoppable force. Their 14th tour win of the year further solidifies their place as the mixed doubles team to beat in 2025. Having only lost one match this season, they are expected to be a dominant presence on the tour for the foreseeable future.
However, the emergence of Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon as a formidable duo could shake things up in the new year. Their synergy was evident throughout the tournament, and with continued collaboration, they could be contenders to watch in 2025.
In the finals, Anna Bright partnered with Gabe Tardio, but her future in mixed doubles remains intriguing. Bright, often seen as the second-best female mixed doubles player after Waters, could have many potential partners competing for her attention next season. Regardless of her partner, she is expected to continue challenging Waters and Johns at the top.
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A Confidence Boost for the Johnson Siblings
Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson closed out 2024 with a surge of momentum, finishing the season strong in the semifinals of the CIBC Finals. Fresh off their MLP championship win with the Dallas Flash, the siblings are ready for a big 2025.
If JW can add more offensive firepower to his game, the Johnsons could become a serious threat, even to the dominant Waters-Johns partnership.
News in Brief: CIBC PPA Tour Finals Recap
The 2024 CIBC PPA Tour Finals at Life Time Rancho San Clemente showed thrilling matchups and surprise performances. Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau overcame early setbacks to claim the Women’s Doubles title.
In Mixed Doubles, Ben Johns and Waters solidified their dominance, while the pairing of Catherine Parenteau and Christian Alshon showed promise for 2025. Jessie Irvine and Mari Perez’s unexpected entry into the finals and Jorja and JW Johnson’s momentum were among the highlights of a high-energy weekend.
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