Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters Shine at Carvana Championship
Carvana Championship Highlights
At the Carvana Championship held at Black Desert Resort on March 29, Ben Johns and Gabriel Tardio secured the men's doubles title, while Anna Leigh Waters achieved her remarkable 43rd triple crown. The finals showcased a blend of skill and determination across various categories, with Waters participating in all three championship victories.
In the men's doubles final, Johns and Tardio faced off against second seeds Hayden Patriquin and Christian Alshon, winning with scores of 13-11, 3-11, 3-11, 11-2, 11-7. Despite a shaky start where they lost two consecutive games, the top seeds rallied back to clinch their 15th title together this season.
Johns commented on the match, stating, “I felt like we were all hitting our spots pretty well, and then it just kind of became a game of who was countering the best.” He acknowledged the chaotic nature of the game but emphasized the importance of sticking to their strategy.
In the women's doubles final, Waters and Anna Bright showcased their dominance by defeating fourth seeds Parris Todd and Kate Fahey with a commanding score of 11-3, 11-3, 11-0. Throughout the tournament, they only allowed a mere 15 points against them over five matches. An earlier upset occurred when Lacy Schneemann and Meghan Dizon knocked out second seeds Jorja Johnson and Tyra Hurricane Black before being eliminated in the semi-finals.
Waters then faced Fahey in the women's singles final, where Fahey initially took a 10-0 lead and won the first game 11-8, marking her first game victory over Waters since last May. However, Waters regained her composure, winning the next two games 11-3, 11-2 to secure the title.
Reflecting on her performance, Waters stated, “This week I was battling some things, but I honestly kept telling myself, ‘If I have to die on this court, I will.’” She praised Fahey's exceptional play and expressed her determination to fight for every point.
With this victory, Waters not only completed another triple crown but also set her sights on the upcoming PPA Tour Asia’s MB Hanoi Cup, which begins on April 1.