Isabella Papazyan Upsets World No. 3 in PPA 125 Quarter-Finals

Isabella Papazyan made headlines by defeating World No. 3 Sahra Dennehy in the quarter-finals of the Moreton Bay PPA 125 tournament. Despite facing tough competition in the semi-finals and bronze medal match, her performance highlighted her potential as an amateur player. This article explores her journey through the tournament and the significance of her victories.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2026, 20:08 IST

Papazyan's Remarkable Victory

On April 10, Isabella Papazyan achieved a stunning victory against Australia's World No. 3, Sahra Dennehy, during the quarter-finals of the Moreton Bay PPA 125 tournament held in Queensland. The amateur player from Australia triumphed with scores of 7-11, 11-6, and 11-7, showcasing her resilience after losing the first game. Competing at Focus Pickleball Redcliffe, Papazyan's performance was one of the tournament's highlights. After a shaky start, she regained her composure, leveling the match with an 11-6 win and sealing the victory in the final game with an 11-7 score. This win is significant for the 23rd-ranked European player, as noted by Dynamic Universal Pickleball Ratings, and is likely to enhance her confidence for future competitions.

However, Papazyan's journey faced a setback in the semi-finals against Kaitlynn Hart, where she was defeated in straight games, 2-11 and 10-12, narrowly missing a spot in the finals. Despite the loss, she demonstrated her tenacity, especially in the second game, where she came close to winning.

In the bronze medal match, Papazyan competed against Australia's World No. 7, Danni-Elle Townsend. Although she fought hard, she lost again in straight games, with scores of 10-12 and 9-11, finishing just outside the medal positions. The closely contested matches highlighted her competitive spirit, even if the outcomes were not in her favor.

Overall, Papazyan's performance at the tournament was commendable, particularly her quarter-final upset. Competing as an amateur against higher-ranked players showcased her potential and ability to challenge elite opponents. The women's singles draw also featured impressive performances from Hart and Australia's World No. 4, Andie Dikosavljevic, with Hart reaching the final but ultimately losing to Dikosavljevic, who claimed the gold medal. Townsend secured the bronze.

The PPA 125 Moreton Bay tournament, which took place from April 9 to April 12, attracted over 250 players from both professional and amateur backgrounds. Hosted at Focus Pickleball Redcliffe, the event successfully combined elite competition with grassroots participation, solidifying its status as a significant event on the PPA Tour Australia circuit.

For Papazyan, the experience gained from competing in high-stakes matches will likely serve as a valuable stepping stone in her career. Although she did not secure a medal, her quarter-final victory remains a standout achievement from the tournament.