
Bright, Daescu stun Waters, Johns for mixed doubles crown
LAKEWAY, TX - Anna Bright and Andrei Daescu did something Monday morning that no team had ever done before: beat Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns in a gold medal match.
And they did it without dropping a game.
The No. 4 seeds took down the top seeds 11-3, 11-9, 11-3 to claim the title. The 6’4’’ Daescu’s reach at the kitchen line caused trouble for Waters and Johns, as he was able to attack from typically vulnerable spots on the court.
Even after taking the first two games, Bright knew that she and Daescu couldn’t afford to take their foot off the gas as a team against such accomplished and experienced opponents.
“Beating great teams is always harder in a best of five format than a two out of three. Even when you’re up two games, you know it’s still gonna be really tough.”
And they didn’t let up at all to race to mixed doubles gold.
Related articles

Best Dressed at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships
Let's talk fashion at the biggest pickleball tournament of the year.
209 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

The Race Update: Where players stand after Worlds
There’s more than just titles on the line this week as the PPA ventures into Wisconsin.
210 days ago
-Will Daughton

Waters outduels Fahey in women's singles for second title of the day
Anna Leigh Waters battled past Kate Fahey to secure her second title at Brookhaven Country Club.
210 days ago
-Will Daughton

Staksrud uses strong start to battle past Loyd in men’s singles
For the eighth time this year, Federico Staksrud is a men’s singles champion on the PPA Tour.
210 days ago
-Will Daughton