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Key Takeaways from the Veolia Bristol Open Finals
The Veolia Bristol Open recently concluded with an exciting Championship Sunday that showcased the best in pickleball. Notably, standouts included Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, who triumphed in their mixed doubles match against Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson. This victory marks their impressive record of 51 wins in finals, underscoring their dominance in the sport.
Mixed Doubles Showdown
In a thrilling mixed doubles final, Waters and Johns faced off against the Johnson siblings, igniting the court with their remarkable skills. Their match concluded with a score of 3-2, featuring a remarkable rally of 43 shots. Both teams displayed skill, with each player achieving ten Clean Winners. However, the Waters and Johns team edged out in terms of fewer errors on crucial shots, making critical plays when it counted most.
Historic Men’s and Women’s Doubles Performances
The men’s doubles final was another highlight, where Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio soundly defeated Jaume Martinez Vich and Matt Wright with an impressive 3-0 score. This win marked Johns' 50th career doubles title, a significant milestone. Interestingly, 48-year-old Wright became the oldest finalist in PPA history, showcasing the diverse ages competing at high levels.
Similarly, in the women's final, Anna Bright and Anna Leigh Waters secured their third consecutive title against Jorja Johnson and Rachel Rohrabacher, with a decisive score of 3-0. Their teamwork proved undeniable, with Bright and Waters now boasting a perfect 10-0 record together.
Emerging Talents in Singles Play
In men's singles, Johns Lucian Goins claimed his first PPA title, overcoming Gabriel Joseph with a nail-biting rally that featured 14 exchanges. Meanwhile, Parris Todd fought hard against Kaitlyn Christian in the women's singles, winning both games 12-10 after a previous win over Christian at the Tucson Open. Todd's ability to stay mentally tough under pressure is surely something all competitors can learn from.
Continuing Growth in Pickleball
The results from the Veolia Bristol Open emphasize the growth of pickleball, especially among seasoned players over 50. The prominence of skilled veterans and emerging young talents contributes to the sport’s vibrant community. With an ever-increasing number of participants in various age brackets, this trend promises an exciting future for pickleball enthusiasts.
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