Waters, Jansen, Haworth Shine in PPA Cincinnati & QLD Slam Finals

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Pickleball Powerhouses Advance: Waters, Jansen, Fahey Secure Semifinal Spots at PPA Cincinnati Showcase

Mason, Ohio, USA – September 13, 2025 – The Veolia Cincinnati Showcase, presented by Six Zero, witnessed a thrilling day of women's singles quarterfinals on Friday, September 12, as Anna Leigh Waters, Lea Jansen, and Kate Fahey each delivered impressive straight-game victories to storm into the professional main draw semifinals. Their commanding performances underscored a mix of dominance, drama, and strategic play, setting the stage for an electrifying "Semifinal Saturday".

Anna Leigh Waters, the tournament's top seed, showcased her unparalleled skill in the opening match, overwhelming Judit Castillo with a swift 11-1, 11-1 triumph. Waters’ aggressive play at the net, combined with powerful groundstrokes and precise speed, kept Castillo on the defensive, allowing her virtually no opportunity to establish rhythm. This dominant display means Waters advances to the semifinals without dropping a single game.

The second quarterfinal provided a more intense battle, with Lea Jansen facing Kaitlyn Christian. In a contest marked by long rallies and momentum swings, Jansen demonstrated remarkable resilience, edging out Christian 13-11 in the first game. She then maintained control with consistent shot placement, closing the match with an 11-6 victory and earning her spot among the final four.

Rounding out the semifinalists, Kate Fahey delivered a steady and impressive performance against Brooke Buckner. Fahey's strong serves and controlled shot selection were key as she secured the first game 11-4. Despite Buckner’s efforts to adjust, Fahey maintained her rhythm, finishing with an 11-5 win and a well-deserved place in the next round.

These results affirm Waters’ sheer power, Jansen’s tenacious spirit, and Fahey’s unwavering consistency. Their combined strengths promise a captivating semifinal lineup as the competition heats up in Mason.

Haworth Stuns Second Seed Staksrud, Charges into PPA Cincinnati Semifinals

Mason, Ohio, USA – September 13, 2025 – In a significant upset at the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase, Chris Haworth, despite being seeded No. 57, proved his mettle by defeating No. 2 seed Federico Staksrud in the men's singles quarterfinals on September 12, 2025. Haworth’s hard-fought 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 victory reasserts his status as one of the top men’s singles players on the PPA Tour and has sent ripples through the tournament.

The match was a rollercoaster, with Haworth initially appearing poised for a straight-game win, holding a 9-8 lead in the second game. However, Staksrud rallied, scoring three consecutive points to force a decisive third game. Undeterred by the momentary setback, Haworth regrouped mentally, swiftly gaining a 7-3 advantage in Game 3 and ultimately closing out the contest.

This win marks Haworth’s fourth consecutive victory over the Argentine powerhouse, Staksrud. Although his current seeding doesn't reflect it due to having only recently signed with the PPA Tour in August, Haworth is no stranger to deep runs and major upsets. Just over a year ago, he captured gold at the 2024 Orange County Cup, notably beating both Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud in successive rounds.

A former Oklahoma State University tennis product, Haworth exuded confidence following his latest triumph. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel like I could beat everyone, so I just try to play with confidence," he stated, acknowledging that success often depends on the day. His resilient performance has earned him a challenging semifinal showdown against No. 3 seed Connor Garnett on Saturday. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash of these two "Twoey Nation" members, especially given their incredible backhands.

Wall and Van Reek, Townsend and Wild Set for Australian Mixed Doubles Final Showdown

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia – September 12, 2025 – The PPA Tour Australia: QLD Pickleball Slam + MLPA #4 in Brisbane saw intense Pro Mixed Doubles 5.0 and above semifinals on September 11, with Roos Van Reek and George Wall alongside Danni-elle Townsend and Joseph Wild emerging victorious to secure their spots in the championship final. These teams demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

In the first semifinal, Roos Van Reek and George Wall faced Nicola Schoeman and Mitchell Hargreaves. What began as a tightly contested match, with points exchanged in the first set, eventually saw Van Reek and Wall pull ahead at crucial moments. Their momentum carried into the second set, which they dominated with an 11-2 score, ultimately winning the match 13-11, 11-2.

The second semifinal featured Danni-elle Townsend and Joseph Wild against Kaitlynn Hart and Santhosh Narayanan. Both sets were highly competitive, but Townsend and Wild’s quick reactions and coordinated play gave them the decisive edge. They secured their place in the final with a 12-10, 11-7 victory, setting up a captivating championship match against Van Reek and Wall. Earlier in the quarterfinals, these four teams had already shown their prowess, with Van Reek/Wall defeating Jamie Haas/Purple Jesus Manthou, and Townsend/Wild besting Andie Dikosavljevic/Louis Laville in straight games.

The upcoming final between Roos Van Reek and George Wall and Danni-elle Townsend and Joseph Wild is highly anticipated. Both partnerships have consistently showcased strong teamwork, sharp reflexes, and strategic play throughout the tournament. Pickleball enthusiasts in Brisbane can look forward to an intense and exciting battle for the Pro Mixed Doubles title at the QLD Pickleball Slam.

Exmouth U3A Serves Up Victory, Captures Challenge Cup in Thrilling Local Pickleball Match

Exmouth, England – September 12, 2025 – The Exmouth U3A pickleball team celebrated a resounding victory this week, clinching the coveted challenge cup in a lively local competition held on September 9 at the Exmouth Lawn Tennis Club. The triumphant Exmouth squad outperformed rivals from Exeter and Honiton U3A teams in a demonstration of skill and teamwork that secured their top spot.

The event saw three teams, each with eight enthusiastic players, battle it out on the courts during a perfect, rain-free morning. Exmouth U3A consistently delivered strong performances, accumulating the most points overall to rightfully earn the championship title and the honour of holding the challenge cup until next year’s tournament.

This win is a significant achievement for the Exmouth community and underscores the vibrant and growing interest in pickleball across the region. The club's hope is that this success will inspire even more local residents to embrace the "fast-growing sport" and participate in future events. The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement, which fosters learning and leisure activities for retired and semi-retired people, provides an ideal platform for such engaging community sports.

The Exmouth Lawn Tennis Club, known for its excellent facilities, served as the perfect host for this spirited competition, bringing together players for camaraderie and competitive play. As pickleball continues its rapid ascent in popularity, local tournaments like the one in Exmouth play a crucial role in nurturing talent and building strong community bonds. The anticipation is already building for next year’s tournament, with hopes for an even larger turnout, further cementing Exmouth’s place on the burgeoning UK pickleball map.

West Michigan Startup Revolin Pickleball Celebrates Five Years of Eco-Innovation and Community Growth

Holland, West Michigan, USA – September 12, 2025 – Revolin Pickleball, a pioneering startup based in Holland, West Michigan, is proudly commemorating its fifth anniversary by showcasing its commitment to crafting high-performance, eco-friendly pickleball paddles. What began as a high school hobby for co-founder and CEO Hugh Davis, the company, located on Douglas Avenue, has blossomed into a business celebrated for its locally made, sustainable innovations.

Davis’s journey into paddle design was born out of necessity, as he constantly found himself breaking paddles that lacked the power and durability he sought. This led him to experiment in his garage, eventually creating his first—albeit heavy—prototype during his freshman year at the University of Michigan. From these humble beginnings, Revolin Pickleball has grown in tandem with the sport’s surging popularity, establishing West Michigan as a recognised "pickleball mecca". Grand Rapids, for instance, hosts the state’s largest tournament, the Beer City Open, a testament to the region’s vibrant pickleball scene.

At the core of Revolin’s philosophy is a dual focus: "How do I make the best paddles for players and the best paddles for the planet?". This ethos drives their use of plant-based materials like hemp and flax fibres, known for reducing joint vibrations. Their latest paddle, "The Torch," features Lava Flex 2.0, a fibre derived from volcanic rock, offering enhanced durability, elasticity, and power. Significantly, most of their raw materials are sourced from Michigan or the United States, making Revolin paddles a truly "made-in-the-USA" product, pressed with high temperature and pressure right in West Michigan.

To mark this five-year milestone, Revolin Pickleball is hosting an anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 13. The event will feature cake, special discounts, and opportunities for players of all ages to test their skills on a dedicated pickleball court with fun challenges, including the fastest serve. Customers can also try paddles through their convenient demo program.