High Stakes and Big News
$100,000 and twelve standings points were on the line at the Beer City Open this weekend in Grand Rapids. Quang Duong had his contract terminated by the UPA. Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock played tennis instead, and we had a great middle finger moment from Michelle Esquivel. College teams got to play against the actual pro teams, we crowned a new midseason champion, and you have a chance to win a new unreleased ProXR Jolt paddle that I was swinging this weekend. To win, subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and follow ProXR on Instagram!
Last Week's Winners and This Week's Absentees
Last week's winners of the Sqairz shoes are Matt Bertsch on YouTube, Tina D on TikTok, and Alex Loewer on Instagram.
This week we had Quang Duong out, Dekel Bar out, Jack Sock out, Genie Bouchard out, Donald Young out, Etta Tuionetoa out, Jay Devilliers out, Jaume Martinez Vich out, and Tyler Loong out. It seems to me like this list keeps growing every time I read it.
Duong's Situation and College Teams Compete
Jack Sock decided to pick the tennis racquets back up, pairing up with 59-year-old billionaire Bill Ackman instead of playing the Beer City Open. Genie Bouchard participated in the same tennis tournament. Quang Duong was in Vietnam for surgery, opening clubs, and running clinics. His contract was terminated by the UPA. With PPA extensions still a hot topic, it's interesting to watch Bouchard and Sock's moves while MLP needs to address the issue of unexcused absences by players with fines.
MLP did something very interesting by allowing two college teams to compete in the tournament: Florida Atlantic University and College All Stars. Although they were blown out in most matches, FAU's women earned a win over Smash, and their men had a chance against Travis and Cason.
Premier League Returns to Point Spread Model
The Premier League announced that DUPR is returning to a point spread model, so ratings can go down if not enough points are won, even in a victory, causing a bunch of beatdowns. Matches were played to a decision; when a team was up 3-0, the 4th match was unnecessary.
Highlights and Interviews
Ryan Fu and Blaine Hovenier showcased one of the best hands battles of the season. Meanwhile, Orlando beat Utah in regulation, and Anna Leigh Waters was interviewed by ESPN from the Beer City Open, suggesting a shift in pickleball's spotlight from Ben Johns to Anna Leigh Waters.
The Middle Finger Moment and Challenger Finals
At Friday's challenger final, Michelle Esquivel's middle finger to Pablo after a mixed match win was notable for its simplicity and assertiveness. Las Vegas won with a dreambreaker with Pablo Tellez and Brooke Buckner securing victory.
Premier League Quarterfinals and Shock vs. Flash
Columbus's competitive sweep against Brooklyn and Parris and Lea's upset were highlights. St Louis and Miami showcased Yuta's performance again against Miami. Flash swept mixed matchups to make it to the final. Shock vs. Flash remains a top rivalry with two quarterfinal matches and semifinal drama.
Bronze and Gold Medal Matches
In the bronze medal match, we defeated the Ranchers 3-1, securing extra standings points. The Flash women rolled the Shock in the final, with strategic plays sealing a win for the Flash, earning them $50,000 and six standings points.
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Subscribe and comment to stay up to date with pro pickleball and win the unreleased ProXR Jolt paddle. If you missed the Quang Duong contract termination video, check it out here.
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