Anna Leigh Waters Shines at PPA Tour Newport Beach Open

Anna Leigh Waters Dominates at Newport Beach Open

At the PPA Tour Newport Beach Open, Anna Leigh Waters, the top-ranked female pickleball player globally, showcased her exceptional skills by advancing to three semifinals on March 6. She began her journey by securing a spot in the women’s singles semifinal with a decisive victory over Mary Brasica, winning in straight games with scores of 11-4, 11-4.

Waters is set to compete against Kaitlyn Christian in the semifinal on March 7, holding a psychological edge after previously defeating Christian at the PPA Masters, maintaining an unbeaten record against her. Christian reached the semifinals by overcoming Judit Castillo in a closely contested match, ultimately winning 13-11, 11-4.

In a surprising turn of events, Kate Fahey, who was the runner-up at the PPA Masters, faced an unexpected defeat against Lea Jansen in a thrilling three-game match. After losing the first game 6-11, Jansen rallied back to win the next two games 11-8, 14-12, securing her place in the semifinals.

Jansen will now face Brooke Buckner, who advanced after defeating Victoria DiMuzio with scores of 11-3, 7-11, 11-8 in her quarterfinal match.

Waters Excels in Doubles Events

Waters' prowess extended beyond singles, as she also reached the semifinals in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Partnering with Anna Bright in women’s doubles, they delivered a commanding performance against Humberg and Cailyn Campbell, winning 11-1, 11-6.

In the semifinals, Waters and Bright will face Tina Pisnik and Lacy Schneemann, who secured their spot by defeating Chao Yi Wang and Milan Rane 11-3, 11-5.

In the other women’s doubles semifinal, Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black will compete against Parris Todd and Rachel Rohrabacher.

Additionally, Waters has advanced to the mixed doubles semifinals alongside Ben Johns, where they triumphed over Gabe Tardio and Rohrabacher. They will meet Todd and Andrei Daescu in the semifinals.

The other mixed doubles semifinal will feature siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson against the duo of Pisnik and Eric Oncins.

With semifinal appearances in three events, Waters is on track for another remarkable performance at the Newport Beach Open, aiming for her 41st hat-trick after clinching the first triple crown of the year at the PPA Masters.