The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour brought top-notch pickleball action to sunny Southern California for the highly-anticipated Newport Beach Shootout. Today marked the first day of professional play, featuring the exhilarating mixed doubles matches that had fans on the edge of their seats, eager to see which teams would prevail.
PPA Newport Beach Doubles Shootout Mixed Doubles Championship Matchup:
(7) Jorja & JW Johnson vs. (12) Lacy Schneemann & Tyson McGuffin.
(7) Jorja & JW Johnson:
The sibling duo of Jorja & JW Johnson demonstrated impressive skill, with their quick hand speed and precision at the kitchen line. Their seamless communication and court coverage proved to be a lethal combination for their opponents. After a thrilling three-game upset against second-seeded Lucy Kovalova & Matt Wright in the Quarterfinals (3-11, 11-3, 11-8), the Johnsons advanced to the Semifinals, where they faced third-seeded Allyce Jones & Riley Newman. The siblings dominated the match from the beginning, displaying an aggressive playing style and keeping their opponents on the back foot. They won 11-7, 11-5, securing their spot in the PPA Newport Beach Mixed Doubles Championship on Sunday, April 23rd.
(12) Lacy Schneemann & Tyson McGuffin:
First-time partnership Lacy Schneemann & Tyson McGuffin captured the hearts of pickleball fans with their high-energy play and undeniable chemistry on the court. The pair showcased their ability to drive the ball with power and execute commanding volleys at the net. Schneemann & McGuffin upset several higher-seeded teams, including Jessie Irvine & Jay Devilliers in the second round, and Anna Bright & James Ignatowich in the Quarterfinals (11-7, 12-10). In the Semifinals, they took down top-seeded Andrea Koop & Ben Johns in a stunning 11-6, 11-8 victory. Schneemann's tenacity and McGuffin's finesse made for a winning combination that dismantled their opponents' defenses. With unmatched power and court coverage, Schneemann & McGuffin will face the Johnson siblings on Championship Sunday, hoping to win their first gold medal together and solidify their place among the elite teams on the PPA Tour.
Despite their Semifinal loss, Ben Johns & Andrea Koop bounced back to secure the bronze medal, defeating Allyce Jones & Riley Newman in a tight match (2-11, 11-2, 11-3). Their resilience and determination were on full display as they turned the match around after a slow start, showcasing their elite skills and tactical prowess.
The PPA Newport Beach Doubles Shootout will continue tomorrow with gender doubles play, featuring both Men's and Women's Doubles competitions. Some of the best players in the sport will battle it out on the courts, with fans eagerly anticipating more upsets, nail-biting matches, and memorable highlights.
Fans can follow the action on the PPA Tour YouTube livestream, with coverage starting at 10 am PT. Don't miss the excitement as the Newport Beach Shootout unfolds, promising to be one of the most memorable stops on the PPA Tour this season.
