
Black, Ge continue run to set semifinal clash with Waters and Johns
PHOENIX, AZ - Hurricane Tyra Black and Augustus (Augie) Ge came into Desert Ridge as the No. 21 seeds, but they’ve outplayed that position by a wide margin throughout Friday.
That was true for the lefty-righty combo going into their quarterfinal match against Lucy Kovalova and Matt Wright, but it became even more apparent as they took on the No. 7 seeds.
Black and Ge got off to a hot start against the tour veterans and took Game 1 11-5 behind the heavy forehands of Ge.
Kovalova and Wright showed why they’re one of the top seeds in Game 2 and evened the match with an 11-4 response.
But the first-time pairing would not be denied their chance at a semifinal, and the tandem reset before the final game and again cruised to an 11-5 victory.
Ge took a moment to reflect on the day that has seen the tandem earn wins against the bracket’s No. 4 and No. 7 seeded teams.
“It’s unbelievable,” Ge told PickleballTV’s Dave Fleming. “I knew playing with Tyra that it was possible today, but the fact that it’s happened now just feels really, really good.”
To continue the run and make it to Championship Sunday, Ge and Black will have to beat No. 1 seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, who have been pushed to three games in both their Round of 16 and quarterfinal matches.
Related articles

Tucson PPA Challenger Recap: Ulery captures first title as Shimabukuro medals in all three events
After four podium finishes in singles, Keilly Ulery won her first PPA Challenger singles title in Tucson.
5 days ago
-Will Daughton

Best dressed at the Pickleball Central Indoor National Championships
The temperatures were low in Lakeville, but the style was sizzling.
6 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Late run lifts Daescu, Tardio over Patriquin, Alshon in five-game epic
The top seeds in men's doubles delivered an instant classic in the final match of the weekend at Life Time Lakeville.
6 days ago
-Will Daughton

Todd battles past Jansen for women’s singles gold, announces plans to step away from singles
After coming up just a few points short in 2024 in Minnesota, Parris Todd struck gold in women's singles in 2026.
6 days ago
-Will Daughton