APP Chicago Open Live Update and Preview
Hey All, please find live results and a preview for gender dubs tomorrow Saturday 9/2/2023
Chicago Shootout!
Big props to Noe Khlif and Jerry Huo for winning the shootout. After a near scare in the first round where Noe was being lit up by Sheri Courter and Jerry had to stand in front of her to be able to handle her attacks, they got it together and beat two excellent teams in the semifinals and finals. The combination of Noe’s consistent dinking and Jerry’s quick hands were too good.
Chase Carman and Dale Zwack picked up a nice win over Scott Peck and TJ Stansbury.
Mens Pro Singles (Qualifier and Main Draw)
First, props to relative newcomer Christopher (CJ Anderson), he qualified for the pro singles men’s main draw in his pro debut! CJ is very atheltic, with powerful groundstrokes and definitely is a force to watch. In the main draw he had a tough battle against Max Manthou an ex D1 Player from University of Washington
Mens Pro Doubles (Qualifier and Main Draw)
First, Neil Mediratta and Jerry Huo are the tenth seed in the main draw. With quick hands and tricky shots they are a team to Watch!
Few local teams in the pro qualifiers: Ben Freedman/Noe Khlif, Elisha Houghland and Harsh Nanavanti, Emir Hamzic and Matthew Krawkowsi. Ben Freedman and Noe Khlif won the “Points draw” or the back draw for the pro qualifiers
Mixed Pro Doubles
Local team Becky Bucolo and David Selvaggi qualified for the Mixed Pro Doubles main draw, congrats guys!
Senior Pro Mens Doubles
Congrats to Bobby Carlsen and Marty Engle for making it to the semis of the Senior Pro Men’s Doubles main draw
Also, Marcel Borean and David George had a nice run in the tournament as well.
Senior Pro Mixed Doubles:
Watch out for Natalie Todorovic Shaw and Marcel Borean they are a very strong team!
Mens 19+ 5.0 doubles:
Ok I’m a bit biased because this is the event I used to play and probably know the most about but super excited to see what happens here on Saturday. Here are just my off the top of my head thoughts without giving anything away in regards to players/strategies.
Ansel Bizarra/Justin Vizconde: Justin is coming in with a lot of confidence after a career defining win at Big City Pickle, can it translate to the Chicago open? We will see. Ansel is an ex-d1 tennis player who has all the shots, however his paddles were recently stolen in an unfortunate car break in outside of Korean BBQ :(
Frank Pan/Kyle Worthy: Frank Pan and I have played several APP/PPA tournaments together and he is an excellent player. I believe Frank and Kyle got bronze at last year’s Cincinnati APP so definitely a team to watch.
CJ Anderson and Ari: Sorry Ari, I am not sure your last name and Pickleball Brackets wasn’t loading. Anyway, CJ is riding a lot of confidence after qualifying for pro singles and a career defining moment at big city pickle. Also, Ari is a right side stud who got silver with CJ at the 5.0 19+ windy city.
Chase Carman and Dale Zwack:
Possibly the most decorated team in the amauter draw. Both Chase and Dale are national champions, and have won multiple 5.0 35+ golds at big APP/PPA tournaments. Will be interesting to see if they can continue their dominance at the younger age bracket.
Congratulations to Jennifer Kwong and Shannon Kreminski for getting gold at 4.5, and for Jennifer and Eric Truett for getting mixed gold at 4.5 as well!
By special request, special update section for Caroline Mulloy:
Women’s Singles 5.0: 11-1, 11-1 first round victory.
Mixed 5.0: partnering with Marty Engle, should be a dynamic team as they have won gold at multiple 5.0 events. Notable mixed pro win over Neil Mediratta and MLP signee Ivy Tschetter at Beer City.
