Waters/Johns Fall to Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu
Last Edited
Jan 20 2025
Category
News
The pro pickleball world witnessed history unfold this morning as Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu achieved what many deemed impossible - they toppled Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in a gold medal match.
Even more remarkable: they did so without conceding a single game.
Seeded at number four, Bright and Daescu staged an awe-inspiring performance, outmaneuvering the top-seeded Waters and Johns with scores of 11-3, 11-9, 11-3 to clinch the title.
See the final point here (scroll right):
The matchup marked Bright and Daescu's debut as partners in a PPA event, with Daescu filling in for James Ignatowich, who is currently recuperating from a shoulder injury.
For Waters and Johns, accustomed to dominance on the court, the defeat served as a stark reminder of the sport's unpredictability. It marked the first loss for the Waters/Johns duo in nearly a year.
Weather conditions added an extra layer of complexity to the encounter, with gusts of wind favoring Bright and Daescu.
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Despite a fleeting opportunity for Waters and Johns in the second game where they held an 8-4 lead with the serve, Daescu and Bright swiftly regained control.
We’ll have more analysis on this historic match once PPA Tour has uploaded it in its entirety. Stay tuned.
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