pickleball and sports exclusive
MLP SEASON ONE CHALLENGER FINALS – ANALYSIS & UPDATES
Welcome to the MLP Challenger Finals Feed – your go-to destination for the most current info on matches and gameplay happening during Monday’s ML. Be sure to bookmark this page and come back for the latest updates all day!
Season One Challenger Level Super Final – Bay Area Breakers v the Chicago Slice
UPDATE 3:08 PM PST. Game 1. Women’s Doubles in underway. Chicago Slice (Emily Ackerman/Susannah Barr) v Bay Area Breakers (Vivian Glozman/Ewa Radzikowska)
UPDATE 3:19 PM PST. Breakers are up 11-10 at the end change in game 1.
UPDATE 3:32 PM PST. Breakers win Game 1 of women’s doubles 21-19.
Intense Opening Game of Women’s Doubles in the Challenger League Super Final.
While Radzikowska and Glozman of the Breakers seem to always be on the offensive, the Chicago Slice attempt to capitalize on Glozman’s relative freshness to the sport, given her limited playing experience of just a few months. On the other hand, Barr brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned veteran of pickleball, having played for several years.
The game kicks off with a close score of 7-5 in favor of the Breakers. Unfortunately for Barr, she hits a forehand roll into the net, allowing the Breakers to extend their lead. Glozman, too, faces a momentary lapse as her forehand attack sails long.
Defense proves to be a key factor at 9-6 in favor of the Breakers, as their defensive skills prevail when Barr’s backhand attack goes awry. This pattern repeats itself, occurring again at 9-10. The Breakers maintain an 11-9 lead as the players switch ends.
Throughout numerous rallies, it becomes evident that the Breakers’ strategy revolves around singling out Barr, who finds herself receiving most of the powerful shots from her opponents. The pressure mounts, and at 20-16, when Glozman’s drive slams into the net, providing a momentary relief for the Slice.
A miscommunication of a middle ball by the Breakers at 18-20 brings the score to a nail-biting 19-20. With tension mounting, the Breakers manage to regain their composure. At 20-19, Glozman’s backhand attack proves too difficult for Barr to defend, ultimately sealing the victory for the Bay Area Breakers with a final score of 21-19.
The opening game sets the stage for an exciting contest between these talented teams in the Challenger League Super Final. Both sides exhibit their strengths and strategies, promising more thrilling action to come in this highly anticipated matchup.
UPDATE 3:42 PM PST. Game 2. Men’s Doubles. Bay Area Breakers are up 11-7 at the end change.
UPDATE 3:56 PM PST. Game 2. Chicago Slice win 21-19.
The showdown between the Chicago Slice and the Bay Area Breakers in men’s doubles proves to be an exhilarating clash. The Bay Area Breakers’ Tellez opens with a backhand flick that clips the net, failing to clear it at 1-1. However, the Chicago Slice’s Connor Garnett showcases why he is a formidable force with his backhand attacks an drives, unleashing his aggressive play to secure a point for his team at 2-1. The Slice’s return goes long at 4-5, leveling the score to 5-5.
As the game progresses, Tellez and Alshon of the Breakers display their passion, getting loud and energized at 6-5. Tellez further ignites the atmosphere with a beautiful Erne shot at 8-6, eliciting a yell of excitement. At 10-6, Christian Alshon demonstrates his athleticism, defying his positioning to spin around and execute a remarkable attack reset against the Slice, followed by another impressive defensive dig. The Breakers lead 11-7 as they change ends.
The intensity continues to rise as the score reaches 11-11, and a line call challenge is made by the Bay Area Breakers when the Slice called a shot out. After confirmation that the ball was indeed out, the incredible defense by the Chicago Slice seems to prevail at 12-13. However, Alshon’s cross-court Erne attack proves pivotal, earning the Breakers a point and tying the score at 13-13.
At 15-13 in favor of the Breakers, Tellez puts up a valiant defense against Garnett’s backhand ATP, but unfortunately, his forehand reset finds the net. A spirited Erne attempt by Alshon and a missed return by Tellez bring the score to a tense 19-19. The crowd erupts as Garnett delivers a powerful Bert shot, bringing the Chicago Slice to game point.
With a combined offensive onslaught by Garnett and Deheart, Tellez and Alshon struggle to defend, ultimately leading to the Chicago Slice securing the victory in game 2. The intense back-and-forth action keeps spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next thrilling installment of this Challenger League Super Final Match.
UPDATE 4:07 PM PST. Game 3. Mixed Doubles. Bay Area(Alshon/Glozman) v Slice’s(Barr/Garnett). Chicago Slice are up 11-6 at the end change.
UPDATE 4:20 PM PST. Game 3. Chicago Slice win 21-19. Chicago Slice up 2-1 in the match.
Intense Battle: Susannah Barr and Connor Garnett (Chicago Slice) vs. Alshon and Vivian Glozman (Bay Area Breakers)
The Chicago Slice enters this game with a determined mindset, and the hometown advantage has Connor Garnett fired up, with the crowd rallying behind him. His aggressive play dominates the early stages of the game, as his forehand and backhand attacks prove to be lethal. The Breakers find themselves constantly on the defensive, struggling to handle Garnett’s powerful shots, particularly evident at 8-4.
The Chicago Slice maintains their momentum, establishing an 11-6 lead at the end change. Coming out strong after the break, they extend their advantage to 14-7. Susannah Barr unleashes an impressive inside-out attack on Christian Alshon, bodybagging him at 14-8. Barr’s incredible defensive skills and expert resets at 16-11 help solidify the Slice’s lead, bringing the score to 17-11. Glozman faces difficulties defending against the relentless attacks of Barr and Garnett.
However, at 14-18, Barr’s attempted lob falls short, giving the Breakers a glimmer of hope. Christian Alshon receives a verbal warning from the referee at 19-14 after kicking the ball off the court in frustration. Garnett’s forehand cutaway meets the net at 20-15, momentarily halting the Slice’s progress. The Breakers seize the opportunity to single out Barr, narrowing the gap to 19-20.
With both teams struggling to surpass the 19-20 mark, numerous failed resets add to the suspense. Finally, at 20-19, Garnett’s backhand attack clips the net, causing the ball to bounce off Glozman and secure the game for the Chicago Slice, with a final score of 21-19. It’s an exhilarating display of skill and determination from both sides, keeping fans at the edge of their seats throughout the match.
UPDATE 4:31 PM PST. Game 4. Mixed Doubles. Chicago Slice up 11-9 at the end change.
UPDATE 4:41 PM PST. Bay Area Breakers win 21-18. Match headed to a Game 5 Dreambreaker.
Intense Showdown: Emily Ackerman and Ryler DeHeart (Chicago Slice) vs. Ewa Radzikowska and Pablo Tellez (Bay Area Breakers)
In this mixed doubles matchup, both Pablo Tellez and Ryler DeHeart take the right side, utilizing their left-handed advantage and providing forehand middle dominance for their respective teams. The Bay Area Breakers are desperate for a victory in this game, as they aim to force a Game 5 Dreambreaker and keep their hopes of winning the super finals alive.
The score stands at 7-5 when Pablo’s forehand counter finds the net, giving the Breakers a slight setback. At 9-5, lob attempt from DeHeart is followed by an overhead smash from Ewa and DeHeart fails to reset the ball, allowing the Breakers to capitalize on the opportunity.
Emily Ackerman of the Chicago Slice demonstrates constant communication with her partner, loudly shouting “Go” and “You” throughout the game, displaying their strong teamwork. At the end change, the Chicago Slice holds a narrow lead of 11-9.
A failed shake and bake attempt by the Breakers at 10-11 results in the ball hitting the net, granting the Chicago Slice another point. As the score reaches 13-14, Pablo provides strategy advice to Ewa, prompting both players to aim more towards the middle in an attempt to create confusion between their opponents. This strategic adjustment pays off, leading to two consecutive points and bringing the score to 15-14 in favor of the Breakers.
Pablo’s loud cheer follows a wide defensive reset at 16-15, displaying his enthusiasm and determination. Sensing the Breakers’ momentum, the Chicago Slice calls a timeout at 15-17, hoping to disrupt their flow. However, the Bay Area Breakers focus their attacks on Emily Ackerman, successfully singling her out and pushing the score to 19-16.
At 19-18, Tellez’s forehand clips the net, catching the Chicago Slice off guard and preventing them from making a successful reset, resulting in a score of 20-18. The Breakers’ dominance continues as Tellez delivers an overhead slam that DeHeart is unable to salvage, securing the game for the Bay Area Breakers with a score of 21-18. This victory sets the stage for a thrilling Game 5 Dreambreaker which will determine the ultimate winner of the match.
Update 4:48 PM PST. Game 5 Dreambreaker underway.
Christian Alshon v Connor Garnett
Pablo Tellez v Ryler DeHeart
Ewa Radzikowska v Emily Ackerman
Susannah Barr v Vivian Glozman
Update 4:52 PM PST. Game 5 Dreambreaker. Bay Area Breakers up 11-8 at the end change.
Update 5:01 PM PST. Chicago Slice beat the Bay Area Breakers 21-17 in Game 5 Dreambreaker. Chicago Slice are the Major League Pickleball Season One Challenger Level Champions.
Update 5:03 PM PST. Up Next: Season Premier Level Super Final – Seattle Pioneers vs Los Angeles Mad Drops.
Source: MLP
https://www.majorleaguepickleball.net/news/mlp-season-one-challenger-finals-analysis-updates/
Senior Pickleball Report
Life Time Opens 12th Athletic Country Club in Dallas-Fort Worth with Debut of Life Time Las Colinas; Waitlist Also Open for Westlake Location
Expands Life Time’s footprint to 32 locations in Texas
DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — Life Time (NYSE: LTH) continues its growth in Texas with two new athletic country clubs opening in the coming months. Located in Irving, Life Time Las Colinas opens April 26. Later this summer, the nearby Life Time Westlake will debut. A waitlist is now open.
The nearly 110,000-square-foot, two-story Life Time Las Colinas club features everything one can think of to live a healthy, happy life for themselves and their entire family – from 90 days old to 90 years old. Amenity highlights include indoor and outdoor pools with luxurious beach clubs, seven pickleball courts (indoor and outdoor) with viewing areas, Life Time’s Kids Academy for learning and playing, a LifeCafe restaurant, full-service LifeSpa with treatments for body, hair, nails, and skin and luxurious locker rooms with rejuvenation suites.
“Our expansion in the Dallas-Fort Worth market is indicative of the continued strong demand for our athletic country clubs, with a wide array of healthy way of life programming and the incredible teams who deliver our member experiences,” said Parham Javaheri, Life Time EVP, President of Club Operations, and Chief of Property Development. “From our outdoor beach clubs, recovery spaces and top-tier indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, we look forward to helping even more area residents live healthy, happy lives. This will continue with the opening of Life Time Westlake in the summer.”
Life Time’s Dynamic Personal Trainers will guide and support members toward their fitness goals, while Dynamic Stretch Specialists can provide assisted-stretch sessions to aid in members’ recovery efforts throughout the spacious fitness floor featuring the best-in-class cardio, strength and fitness equipment. The clubs will also feature ARORA programming specifically for active agers.
With its spacious fitness and functional training floor, members can take their training to the next level with cardiovascular and resistance-training machines, free weights, and the LT Recovery Zone with compression therapy, metabolic testing, recovery treatments, nutrition counseling and chiropractic services. Life Time’s own GTX, Alpha, and Ultra Fit signature group training classes are included in membership.
Additionally, more than 100 classes will be offered across multiple studios from Life Time’s Class Collection including barre, cycle, strength, Pilates and yoga classes led by the area’s top instructors.
Life Time Las Colinas is located at 7320 N. State Highway 161 in Irving and will be open to serve members from 4 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Signature Membership holders also may visit other area Life Time clubs.
For more information on features and amenities at Life Time Las Colinas, visit the club’s website, or call 214-231-5600. You can learn more about Life Time Westlake and join the waitlist for the club ahead of its summer opening by clicking here.
Life Time debuted in the Dallas-Fort Worth market with the opening of Life Time Plano in 2003. It most recently opened Life Time McKinney at Craig Ranch in late-2022.
Life Time is continuing to grow its athletic country club locations nationwide through 2024. Click here for a complete list of new Life Time locations coming soon.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 170 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The health and wellness pioneer also delivers a range of healthy way of life programs and information via its complimentary Life Time app. The Company’s healthy living, healthy aging, healthy entertainment communities and ecosystem serve people 90 days to 90+ years old and is supported by a team of more than 37,000 dedicated professionals. In addition to delivering the best programs and experiences through its clubs, Life Time owns and produces nearly 30 of the most iconic athletic events in the country.
SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
Senior Pickleball Report
Hellas Paves the Way for Topseed Pickleball Installing Durable TPS Court Surfacing in Tulsa
Topseed Pickleball partners with Hellas to install durable TPS Court Surfacing in Tulsa, paving the way for a thriving pickleball community.
Pickleball, a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has grown rapidly in popularity, attracting an estimated 36.5 million players in the past year alone. One facility that has embraced this expanding sport is TOPSEED Pickleball in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With a state-of-the-art facility and an unwavering commitment to quality, they have partnered with Hellas to install TPS Court Surfacing, creating an exceptional playing experience for pickleball enthusiasts.
Durable and Innovative Court Surfaces:
Hellas, the largest sports contractor in America, implemented 5″ thick post-tensioned concrete slabs covering approximately 25,000 square feet. This high-quality court surface ensures longevity and withstands the demands of pickleball gameplay. The TPS Court Surfacing consists of silica sand, providing a medium to slower ball speed, and features two main colors of green and blue with white trim, adhering to the United States Tennis Association line specifications. With the incorporation of TPS 5000® Fortified Acrylic Color Coating, the court lines are defined with precision.
Unparalleled Expertise:
Hellas’ commitment to excellence extends beyond court surfacing. Employing post tensioning techniques below the court surface, they guarantee the durability and longevity of the pickleball courts. TOPSEED Pickleball General Manager, James Moore, emphasizes that the quality of the courts is instrumental in attracting and retaining players. By choosing Hellas’ post tensioning concrete and TPS Court Surfacing, TOPSEED Pickleball ensures their customers have the best playing experience possible.
Versatility and Customization:
TPS Court Surfaces are not limited to pickleball. They are suitable for various sports, such as tennis, futsal, and multi-sport courts, allowing for versatility in facility usage. Each TPS Court Surface project is tailored to the specific needs of clients, including the incorporation of logos, windscreens, benches, and backboards. Hellas’ expertise in customization ensures that every facility is unique and meets the highest standards.
Illuminated for Optimal Gameplay:
Lighting is crucial for outdoor pickleball courts. TOPSEED Pickleball installed 12 LSI lighting sports fixtures, supported by eight 20-foot lighting poles, offering exceptional visibility during evening play. The innovative design of these fixtures allows for easy removal of posts and nets, enabling the facility to accommodate major and minor league pickleball events, including the seating required for spectators.
Smooth Construction and Timely Delivery:
TOPSEED Pickleball’s Managing Partner, Brett Benton, commended Hellas for their professionalism and smooth construction process. With a single point of contact throughout the project, Hellas delivered the project on time and under budget, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.
“Post tensioning concrete & TPS Court Surfacing by Hellas was the formula to maintain our customer base.” TOPSEED GM James Moore
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Hellas’ expertise and dedication to excellence have made them a leader in the sports surfacing industry. Their collaboration with TOPSEED Pickleball to install TPS Court Surfacing in Tulsa highlights the importance of quality courts in attracting players and fostering a thriving pickleball community. With their versatile surfaces and exceptional durability, Hellas and TPS Court Surfacing continue to pave the way for exceptional athletic experiences across various sports.
For more information about TOPSEED Pickleball and their facility, please visit their website at topseedpickleball.com or take a virtual tour here: [Insert provided link].
About Hellas:
Hellas, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is America’s largest sports contractor. They specialize in the manufacturing, construction, and installation of sports surfaces and amenities. With an extensive portfolio of successful projects, Hellas continues to lead the industry with comprehensive solutions for turf, tracks, courts, and sports lighting projects. http://www.hellasconstruction.com/
About TOPSEED Pickleball:
TOPSEED Pickleball, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has established itself as a premier pickleball facility with 12 USPA regulation pickleball courts and a range of amenities. They offer lessons, tournaments, leagues, and a fantastic club atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for pickleball enthusiasts.
About USA Pickleball:
USA Pickleball is the world’s first national pickleball organization, founded in 1984. It promotes and supports the growth of pickleball across the United States, and its dedication has contributed significantly to the sport’s popularity and success. https://usapickleball.org/
SOURCE Hellas
pickleball and sports exclusive
Experience the Thrilling Pickleball Showdown at Life Time PENN 1 in NYC – A Historic Event with Tennis Champ Andre Agassi and Pro Pickleball Pros!
“Witness the electrifying pickleball showdown with tennis legend Andre Agassi and top pros at Life Time PENN 1 in NYC – a sports event to remember!”
On May 4, 2024, a historic event took place at Life Time PENN 1 in New York City. Tennis Grand Slam Champion Andre Agassi, along with top-rated pickleball pros Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and Anna Bright, gathered for an exhilarating pickleball showdown. As the world’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball continues to captivate audiences, and this event was no exception.
Over 300 guests had the privilege of watching this exciting display of athleticism and camaraderie. Some lucky individuals even had the opportunity to play alongside these esteemed professionals. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered on their favorite players, basking in the thrill of the competition.
Bahram Akradi, Life Time Founder, Chairman, and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This easily goes down as one of the most exciting days for Life Time in New York City since our Life Time Sky opening in 2016.” Akradi, an avid tennis and pickleball player himself, recognized the significance of having these world-class athletes together. The event marked the opening of PENN 1 as the city’s iconic pickleball destination, cementing Life Time’s commitment to expanding access, enhancing programming, and building a community around racquet sports.
This goes down as one of the most exciting days for Life Time in New York City since our Life Time Sky opening in 2016.
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Life Time has been making waves in the racquet sports world, exemplified by their appointment of Andre Agassi as the inaugural chair of the Life Time Pickleball and Tennis Board. Agassi’s involvement underscores the company’s dedication to fostering the growth of racquet sports. Life Time has also formed partnerships with elite pickleball players such as Ben and Collin Johns, who have created a series of instructional videos exclusively available through the Life Time digital app.
Since 2021, Life Time has become the largest owner and operator of permanent pickleball courts, boasting over 680 courts nationwide, with nine located in New York City. The company has also hosted multiple MLP and PPA tournaments, including their own Pickleball Classic. The May 4 event showcased the support from key Life Time partners, including JOOLA, DUPR, and lululemon, who have all contributed to the growth of racquet sports.
Life Time PENN 1, which opened on April 15, has already become a hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts. With seven street-level pickleball courts, it offers a vibrant community for play, leagues, clinics, and tournaments for players of all skill levels. Life Time operates nine destinations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Life Time Sky has two indoor pickleball courts.
This event was a testament to the expansive reach of pickleball and its ability to bring people together. It showcased the passion and dedication of both professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. As the frenzy around pickleball continues to build, Life Time remains at the forefront, committed to delivering exceptional experiences and fostering a love for racquet sports.
For those who missed the event, a recap is available for viewing. To learn more about Life Time in New York City and their dedication to racquet sports, visit their website. Life Time continues to empower individuals to live healthy, happy lives through its athletic clubs and range of healthy living programs. As a pioneer in health and wellness, the company’s impact extends to people of all ages and is supported by a team of dedicated professionals. In addition to their clubs, Life Time also owns and produces some of the most iconic athletic events in the country, further solidifying their commitment to healthy living.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) is a company that operates over 170 athletic country clubs in the United States and Canada. They aim to empower individuals to lead healthy and happy lives. In addition to their clubs, Life Time offers a range of healthy lifestyle programs and information through their complimentary Life Time Digital app. Their services cater to people of all ages, from 90 days to 90+ years old. With a dedicated team of over 37,000 professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences. They also own and produce nearly 30 well-known athletic events in the country.
SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
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