CNPL London Thrills & Atlanta PPA Slam: Scores, Comebacks, Semis

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London Ignites: 2025 CNPL Central Split Kicks Off Third Season with Intense Battles

London, Ontario – The 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split officially began on Saturday, May 17, at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. This event marks the start of the third season of the CNPL, bringing together top teams from across Canada and nearby U.S. regions. The Central Split is a key competition early in the season, with teams vying for valuable wins over two days, May 17 and 18. Smash Pickleball is highlighted as a top indoor venue for Canadian pickleball. The league continues to grow, drawing fans and showcasing high-level matches and competitive team play. The opening weekend in London promises intense action as teams compete to improve their standings.

Detroit-Windsor Drive Mounts Rally to Conquer Brewers 3-1

London, Ontario – The Detroit-Windsor Drive secured a 3-1 victory over the Southwestern Ontario Brewers on Saturday, May 17. The match was part of the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split, held at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. The Drive’s roster included Audrey Yeung, Jonas Dähler, Natalie Araya, and Wesley Gabrielsen. Facing the Brewers' team of Amanda Rosati, Eugene Yui Mak, Mark Cleminson, and Tara Di Giuseppe, Detroit-Windsor rallied after losing the second game. They claimed the first game 21-19, dropped the second 20-21, but then won the next two games 21-18 and 21-15 to clinch the match. The Detroit-Windsor Drive demonstrated strong play, teamwork, and focus to secure the comeback win. The Brewers had a solid start but were unable to hold off the Drive's finish.

London Smash Completes Thrilling Comeback, Edges Northern Lights 3-2

London, Ontario – The home team, London Smash Pickleball Club, achieved a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Northern Lights Ontario Pickleball on Saturday, May 17. Competing in the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split at Smash Pickleball in London, London Smash faced Northern Lights, whose roster included Danielle Boss, Joel Pelletier, Lucas Wong, and Marie-Christine Salvas. London Smash, featuring Jessica Kawamoto, Preston Gordon, Ryan Torresin, and Stella Li, lost the first two games with scores of 17-21 and 19-21. However, they fought back to win the final three games, 21-15, 21-20, and 21-16, securing the match victory. This comeback win is described as a significant moment for London Smash, showcasing their strength and determination early in the season.

Montreal Lions Dominate Early to Secure 3-1 Victory Over Prairie Pronghorns

London, Ontario – The Montreal Lions started strong to clinch a 3-1 victory over the Prairie Pronghorns on Saturday, May 17. The match was part of the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. The Lions, comprised of Anne-Sophie Courteau, Ernesto Fajardo, Louis-Charles Amyot, and Stevie Petropouleas, took control early by winning the first three games with scores of 21-19, 21-14, and 21-18. The Prairie Pronghorns, featuring Brad Chapman, Carolina Hack, Jacob Bolkowy, and Kim Layton, pushed back and showed spirit by winning the fourth game 21-15, but it was not enough to alter the overall result. This dominant start for the Montreal Lions helps improve their standing in the league early in the season.

Montreal Lions Roar Past Detroit-Windsor Drive in High-Stakes 3-1 Showdown

London, Ontario – In a high-stakes matchup during the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split, the Montreal Lions defeated the Detroit-Windsor Drive 3-1 on Saturday, May 17. The game took place at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. The Montreal Lions roster included Anne-Sophie Courteau, Ernesto Fajardo, Louis-Charles Amyot, and Stevie Petropouleas, while the Detroit-Windsor Drive featured Alexis Contratto, Audrey Yeung, Evan Hollinsky, and Wesley Gabrielsen. The Lions won the first game 21-15, dropped the second 20-21, but then secured the victory by winning the next two games 21-18 and 21-17. This win marks a significant victory for the Montreal Lions, strengthening their position in the ongoing CNPL season.

CNPL Opener Thriller: Montreal Lions Stage Comeback to Snag 3-2 Win vs. Vancouver Owls

London, Ontario – The Montreal Lions kicked off the third season of the CNPL with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the Vancouver Owls on Saturday, May 17. This was the opening match of the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split, held at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. Facing the Vancouver Owls team of Anna Dyachenko, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Caelan Sampson, and Christina Chin, the Lions (Anne-Sophie Courteau, Ernesto Fajardo, Louis-Charles Amyot, Stevie Petropouleas) found themselves down after losing the second and third games. However, the Montreal Lions rallied to win the final two games, securing the dramatic 3-2 match victory in front of an excited crowd. This win provides the Lions with a strong start to the season.

Northern Lights Shine Bright, Outplay Southwestern Ontario Brewers 3-1

London, Ontario – Northern Lights Ontario Pickleball secured a 3-1 victory over the Southwestern Ontario Brewers on Saturday, May 17, during the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split at Smash Pickleball. The Northern Lights team, featuring Danielle Boss, Joel Pelletier, Lucas Wong, and Marie-Christine Salvas, took control early by winning the first three games with scores of 21-14, 21-14, and 21-17. The Brewers, with players including Amanda Rosati and Eugene Yui Mak, battled back to claim the fourth game 21-15, showcasing their spirit. Despite the Brewers' effort, Northern Lights maintained composure during tight points to clinch the match. This win helps Northern Lights move up in the CNPL standings.

Northern Lights Continue Streak, Defeat Toronto United 3-1

London, Ontario – Northern Lights Ontario Pickleball continued their strong performance at the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split, defeating the Toronto United Pickleball Club 3-1 on Saturday, May 17. The match took place at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. The Northern Lights roster included Danielle Boss, Joel Pelletier, Lucas Wong, and Marie-Christine Salvas. They won the first game 21-16, dropped the second 20-21, but then secured the victory by winning the next two games 21-15 and 21-19. Toronto United, featuring players like Jordann Vigna and Matt Kawamoto, competed hard throughout. This 3-1 win boosts Northern Lights' position in the ongoing CNPL Central Split competition.

Prairie Pronghorns Stun Home Crowd, Secure 3-1 Win Over London Smash

London, Ontario – The Prairie Pronghorns delivered a notable performance, defeating the home team, London Smash Pickleball Club, 3-1 on Saturday, May 17. The match was part of the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. The Pronghorns team included Antoaneta Toskova, Brad Chapman, Chris Alain, and Kim Layton. They won the first game 21-15, lost the second 11-21, but then claimed the crucial third and fourth games, 21-18 and 21-19, to secure the match. London Smash, featuring Jessica Kawamoto and others, put up a strong effort, especially winning the second game decisively. This victory significantly boosts the Prairie Pronghorns’ standing early in the Central Split competition.

Toronto United Starts Strong, Claims 3-1 Victory Against Prairie Pronghorns

London, Ontario – Toronto United Pickleball Club secured a 3-1 victory over the Prairie Pronghorns on Saturday, May 17, during the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split. Held at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario, the match saw Toronto United, with players Jada Bui, Jordann Vigna, Matt Kawamoto, and Maximilian Wild, start strong by winning the first game 21-11. The Prairie Pronghorns, including Antoaneta Toskova and Brad Chapman, fought back to take the second game 21-16. However, Toronto United regained momentum and won the next two games, 21-16 and 21-16, to clinch the match. This win positions Toronto United favorably in the early Central Split standings.

Vancouver Owls Deliver Stunning 4-0 Sweep Against Southwestern Ontario Brewers

London, Ontario – The Vancouver Owls achieved a dominant 4-0 sweep against the Southwestern Ontario Brewers on Saturday, May 17, at Smash Pickleball in London, Ontario. This decisive match was part of the 2025 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Central Split. The Owls, featuring Anna Dyachenko, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Caelan Sampson, and Christina Chin, showcased strong teamwork and consistent play throughout, winning all four games with scores of 21-19, 21-18, 21-15, and 21-15. The Southwestern Ontario Brewers, including Amanda Rosati and Mark Cleminson, were unable to secure a game. This clean sweep demonstrates the Owls' skill and readiness, significantly strengthening their position in the early season standings.

Atlanta Slam Heats Up: Top Seeds Battle in Quarterfinals and Semifinals at Life Time Peachtree Corners

Atlanta, Georgia – The 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, a PPA 'slam' event, heated up at Life Time Peachtree Corners, featuring intense quarterfinal and semifinal battles on Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17. Top seeds and skilled players converged in Atlanta, competing for crucial ranking points. Matches in singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles were played, leading to the setting of semifinal matchups across various brackets. The tournament is showcasing high-level pickleball, with many top contenders advancing through challenging matches to reach Semifinal Saturday.

Senior Mixed Doubles Gold: Johnson and Deakin Triumph in Nail-Biting Atlanta Final

Atlanta, Georgia – Julie Johnson and Steve Deakin claimed the gold medal in the Mixed Doubles Senior Open final at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Saturday, May 18. The final, held at Life Time Peachtree Corners, was a tight match against Kimmie Ouchi and Joshua Cooperman. Johnson and Deakin emerged victorious with scores of 12-10 and 11-8. The first game was particularly competitive, with Johnson and Deakin narrowly taking it 12-10. They carried that momentum into the second game, securing the 11-8 win and the championship. Their triumph highlights their strong partnership and experience in the Senior Open category.

Mancini Duo Claims Atlanta Bronze in Dominant Senior Mixed Performance

Atlanta, Georgia – The dynamic duo of Robin Mancini and Paul Mancini clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles Senior Open at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Saturday, May 18. Competing at Life Time Peachtree Corners, the Mancinis defeated Heather Jaeger and Steve Lowe in straight sets with scores of 11-1 and 11-9. They showcased strong teamwork and skill, easily taking the first game. While the second game was more competitive, they held on to secure the 11-9 win and their spot on the podium. This performance added excitement to the Senior Open highlights at the tournament.

Men's Doubles Semifinals Set: Powerhouse Clashes Await in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia – The men's doubles semifinal matchups were solidified on Friday, May 17, setting the stage for powerhouse clashes on Semifinal Saturday at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships. The highly anticipated matchups, taking place at Life Time Peachtree Corners, include the No. 5 seeds JW Johnson and CJ Klinger facing the No. 4 seeds Dekel Bar and Dylan Frazier. On the other side of the bracket, the No. 2 seeds Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio will battle the No. 3 seeds Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu. These matches feature top-ranked teams vying for a place in the championship final.

Johnson & Klinger Upset Top Seeds Staksrud/Patriquin to Reach Men's Doubles Semis

Atlanta, Georgia – In a significant upset at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, the No. 5 seeds JW Johnson and CJ Klinger defeated the top seeds Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin to reach the men's doubles semifinals. Playing at Life Time Peachtree Corners, Johnson and Klinger secured the win with scores of 11-3, 6-11, 11-8. After splitting the first two games, they jumped to a lead in the decider, survived a run from their opponents, and scored the final five points to clinch the match. Johnson attributed the victory partly to film study after losing to the top seeds previously.

Johns & Tardio, Alshon & Daescu Set Rematch After Straight-Game Quarterfinal Wins

Atlanta, Georgia – Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio, along with Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu, advanced to the men's doubles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, both securing their spots with straight-game victories. Johns and Tardio defeated Riley Newman and Matt Wright 11-3, 11-6, while Alshon and Daescu took down Jay Devilliers and Augie Ge 11-6, 11-4. These wins set up a highly anticipated rematch between the two teams. Their only previous meeting this year was a five-game epic in the finals of the Mesa Cup, where Alshon and Daescu narrowly won. Fans can look forward to another tightly contested battle on Saturday.

Women's Doubles Semifinals Locked: Top Talent Advances in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia – The women's doubles semifinal matchups were confirmed on Friday, May 17, at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships after the quarterfinals concluded. Top talent successfully advanced to the next round at Life Time Peachtree Corners. The semifinal pairings are set to be played on Saturday: the No. 1 seeds Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher will face the No. 9 seeds Kate Fahey and Tina Pisnik, while the No. 2 seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright will compete against the No. 3 seeds Tyra Black and Parris Todd. These matches will determine the finalists in the women's doubles bracket.

Parenteau & Rohrabacher Survive Three-Game Test to Reach Women's Doubles Semis

Atlanta, Georgia – Top seeds Catherine Parenteau and Rachel Rohrabacher advanced to the women's doubles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, after surviving a three-game test against No. 6 seeds Jessie Irvine and Lacy Schneemann. Playing at Life Time Peachtree Corners, Parenteau and Rohrabacher won with scores of 11-4, 7-11, 11-2. This was the first time their partnership was pushed to three games. After dropping the second game, they raised their level in the decider. Parenteau noted they focused on moving the ball and hitting the middle to counter their opponents' strategy.

Waters & Bright Pair for Semis After Dominant Quarterfinal Performance

Atlanta, Georgia – The No. 2 seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright teamed up effectively to earn a spot in the women's doubles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17. Playing together for the first time since 2023, Waters and Bright delivered a dominant performance against No. 10 seeds Etta Tuionetoa and Vivienne David in the quarterfinals at Life Time Peachtree Corners, winning in straight games with scores of 11-3, 11-1. This match was described as their best showing of the week so far. Their victory sets up a semifinal clash against No. 3 seeds Tyra Black and Parris Todd.

Black & Todd Save Game Points, Dominate Game 2 for Semifinal Spot

Atlanta, Georgia – The No. 3 seeds Tyra Black and Parris Todd secured their spot in the women's doubles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, with a victory over No. 12 seeds Chao Yi Wang and Brooke Buckner. Playing at Life Time Peachtree Corners, Black and Todd won the match with scores of 13-11, 11-0. In the opening game, they saved four game points before clinching the tight 13-11 win. This momentum carried into the second game, which they dominated with a decisive 11-0 'pickle'. Their strong finish in the quarterfinal gives them confidence heading into Semifinal Saturday.

Mixed Doubles Semifinal Showdowns Confirmed in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia – The mixed doubles semifinal matchups are set for Semifinal Saturday at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, following intense quarterfinal action on Friday, May 17, at Life Time Peachtree Corners. Two compelling showdowns are confirmed: the top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns will face the No. 9 seeds Tina Pisnik and Andrei Daescu. In the other semifinal, the No. 2 seeds Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson will compete against the No. 4 seeds Etta Tuionetoa and Christian Alshon. These pairings represent the final four teams battling for a spot in the championship match.

Johnson Siblings Prevail in Three-Game Thriller, Reach Mixed Doubles Semis

Atlanta, Georgia – Siblings Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson, the No. 2 seeds, advanced to the mixed doubles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, after prevailing in a three-game thriller against No. 8 seeds Jessie Irvine and Gabe Tardio. Playing at Life Time Peachtree Corners, the Johnsons won with scores of 11-3, 10-12, 11-1. They held match point at 10-7 in the second game but lost six straight points. Undeterred, they rebounded strongly and dominated the final game 11-1. Jorja noted the importance of regrouping after losing focus in Game 2.

Waters & Johns Overcome Challenge, Tuionetoa & Alshon Win Battle of MLP Teams to Advance

Atlanta, Georgia – The top-seeded mixed doubles team of Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, along with No. 4 seeds Etta Tuionetoa and Christian Alshon, advanced to the semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17. Waters and Johns overcame a challenge from Anna Bright and Quang Duong, winning 11-3, 11-8, holding off a second-game push. In another quarterfinal, Tuionetoa and Alshon won a battle featuring top MLP mixed doubles teams, defeating Rachel Rohrabacher and Dekel Bar 8-11, 11-8, 11-5. Both victorious teams earned their spots in the semifinals at Life Time Peachtree Corners.

Men's Singles Semifinals Ready: Frazier, Garnett, Johns, H. Johnson Battle for Gold Spot

Atlanta, Georgia – The men's singles semifinal matchups were confirmed on Friday, May 17, setting the stage for key battles for a gold medal spot at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships. The semifinals, scheduled for Saturday at Life Time Peachtree Corners, will feature No. 8 seed Dylan Frazier against No. 3 seed Connor Garnett. In the other bracket, No. 2 seed Hunter Johnson will face No. 4 seed Ben Johns. These four top contenders emerged from intense quarterfinal play to compete for a place in the final.

Dylan Frazier Ends Alexander Crum's Impressive Three-Game Run in Quarterfinals

Atlanta, Georgia – Dylan Frazier, the No. 8 seed, advanced to the men's singles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, by defeating the No. 65 seed Alexander Crum. Playing at Life Time Peachtree Corners, Frazier won the quarterfinal match with scores of 12-10, 3-11, 11-3. Crum had been on an impressive run, winning all three of his previous matches this week in three games. Frazier's victory stopped Crum's streak and secured his own spot in the semifinals. Crum's overall performance in Atlanta was described as "supremely impressive".

Women's Singles Semifinals Decided: Top Contenders Move On

Atlanta, Georgia – The women's singles semifinal matchups were determined on Friday, May 17, at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, with top contenders successfully moving on. Played at Life Time Peachtree Corners, quarterfinal victories set the stage for Semifinal Saturday. The semifinals will feature the No. 1 seed Anna Leigh Waters against the No. 4 seed Parris Todd. In the other bracket, the No. 2 seed Kate Fahey will face the No. 7 seed Catherine Parenteau. Both Waters and Parenteau secured their spots with straight-game victories in their respective quarterfinal matches.

Ben Johns Outlasts Christian Alshon in Marathon First Game, Advances to Singles Semis

Atlanta, Georgia – No. 4 seed Ben Johns advanced to the men's singles semifinals at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships on Friday, May 17, by defeating No. 7 seed Christian Alshon. Johns won the quarterfinal match at Life Time Peachtree Corners with scores of 14-12, 11-8. The first game was a marathon, lasting 33 minutes, with Alshon holding five game points before Johns won it. Johns used displays of "mastery of cat-and-mouse pickleball" to work his way back into the first game. While Alshon tied the second game at 8-8, Johns again "raised his level" to close out the match.

Hunter Johnson Defeats MLP Teammate Quang Duong in Men's Singles Quarterfinals

Hunter Johnson advanced to the men's singles semifinals after an 11-3, 11-7 victory over Quang Duong. Johnson and Duong are teammates on the Los Angeles Mad Drops in Major League Pickleball. They had also played men's doubles together during the week. In this match, only one could prevail, and that was Johnson. The No. 2 seed, Hunter Johnson, was set to face either Ben Johns or Christian Alshon in the semifinals.

Waters and Parenteau Surge into Women's Singles Semifinals with Straight-Game Wins

Former women’s doubles partners, Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, secured their spots in the women’s singles semifinals with straight-game victories on Friday morning. Anna Leigh Waters won her match with an 11-7, 11-5 victory over No. 5 seed Brooke Buckner. Catherine Parenteau defeated No. 3 seed Kaitlyn Christian by an 11-6, 11-7 score line.

Waters Discusses Strategic Focus Against Powerful Opponent Brooke Buckner

Anna Leigh Waters discussed the importance of strategy against an opponent as powerful from the baseline as Brooke Buckner. She stated she was focusing on her strategy because playing into Buckner's game could lead to "bad things". Waters mentioned it requires a lot of mental stability to stick to the game plan, as nervousness might make players want to hit an easier shot and deviate from the plan. She emphasised being "super focused".

Parenteau Breaks Losing Streak Against Kaitlyn Christian to Advance

Catherine Parenteau defeated Kaitlyn Christian 11-6, 11-7 to move on in the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships. The No. 7 seed, Parenteau, had lost her last two matches against Christian before securing this win.

APP Founder Ken Herrmann Discusses Fueling Pickleball Craze on AARP Connected

Mia McNeil, host of AARP Connected, interviewed Ken Herrmann, founder of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and the national APP Tour. The interview, aired on NewsChannel5 Plus, focused on the fast-growing sport of pickleball and its rise across the country. Ken Herrmann spoke about the energy within the pickleball community and the reasons for the game's popularity across all ages. The episode highlighted the importance of staying active and connected, giving viewers a look at how Herrmann helped build a national tour around pickleball. AARP Connected is produced in partnership with NewsChannel5 Plus and features topics important to Tennessee families.