PPA Tour New Zealand Cup: Thrilling Comebacks and Semifinal Victories Define Auckland Action
What's the Score?
The PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup, held in St. Johns, Auckland, showcased exciting matches in the Pro Mixed Doubles Qualifier. The event featured thrilling comebacks and hard-fought victories in both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, with Isabelle Papazyan/Matthew Kouznetsov and Ela Vakaukamea Jr./Semisi Fanguna advancing to the finals.
Hit it deeper!
The PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup is a key event on the PPA Tour NZ calendar, attracting skilled players and serving as a qualifier for the Pro Mixed Doubles category for players rated 5.0 and above. Matches held on April 24, 2025, delivered significant drama.
In the quarterfinals, Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum faced Sarah Paea and Feiloakitohi Tavalea. Mildwaters and Baum started dominantly, winning the first game 11-0. However, Paea and Tavalea found their rhythm in the second game, narrowly taking it 12-10 and pushing the match to a decider. Mildwaters and Baum regained their focus in the third game, playing a steady and aggressive style to secure the win 11-4 and advance to the semifinals. Another quarterfinal match saw Ela Vakaukamea Jr. and Semisi Fanguna take on Aleisha Horridge and Michael Russ. Vakaukamea Jr. and Fanguna displayed strong chemistry and control, winning in straight games, 11-7, 11-5. Their precise shots and quick court movement were key to their victory.
The intensity carried over into the semifinals. Isabelle Papazyan and Matthew Kouznetsov faced Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum in a "nail-biting" contest. Both games were tightly contested. In the first game, Papazyan and Kouznetsov edged ahead late to win 12-10. The second game was even more intense, but Papazyan and Kouznetsov held their nerve to close it out 14-12, winning in straight games and preventing a third game. Their smart shot choices and steady teamwork were crucial in key moments.
In the other semifinal, Ela Vakaukamea Jr. and Semisi Fanguna battled Michaela Winiata and Quinnton Pari-Collins. Vakaukamea Jr. and Fanguna started slowly, losing the first game 8-11 as Winiata and Pari-Collins controlled the early momentum with quick volleys and strong returns. However, the second game saw a significant shift; Vakaukamea Jr. and Fanguna tightened their defence and responded with smart placement and communication, winning 11-7. The final game was closely fought, with the score tied multiple times, but Vakaukamea Jr. and Fanguna remained composed under pressure to win the decider 11-9.
By winning their respective semifinal matches, Isabelle Papazyan/Matthew Kouznetsov and Ela Vakaukamea Jr./Semisi Fanguna advanced to the final round of the Pro Mixed Doubles Qualifier. Their performances demonstrated their ability to handle pressure and showcased resilience, particularly in overcoming deficits. Success in the finals could significantly boost their standings on the PPA Tour NZ and enhance their national rankings.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The events at the PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup in Auckland vividly illustrate the high level of competition and dramatic potential present in regional professional pickleball tournaments. The matches, particularly the come-from-behind victories by Mildwaters/Baum and Vakaukamea Jr./Fanguna, underscore the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt mid-match in high-pressure situations. The tight scores in multiple games reflect the competitive depth within the 5.0+ mixed doubles division. This tournament serves as a crucial platform for players to gain visibility and improve their rankings within the PPA Tour NZ circuit, highlighting the structured pathway for aspiring professionals in the region. The "nail-biting" finishes and "shock" results are precisely what engage fans and contribute to the growing excitement around competitive pickleball globally.