It was a grueling Championship Sunday at the Carvana Mesa Cup — and while history nearly unfolded twice, both Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns were ultimately denied their triple crown bids.

Anna Leigh Waters walked away with two gold medals. Ben Johns claimed one. But neither could complete the three-title sweep in a day defined by fatigue, fast finals, and shifting momentum.

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Men’s Doubles: Tradition Continues

After a mixed doubles lost to start the day, Johns rebounded in men’s doubles alongside Gabe Tardio, capturing their 12th title together in dramatic fashion against Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin.

After dropping Game 1 and falling behind 0-7 in Game 4, the top seeds stormed back to force extra points and close out the match 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 13-11.

The match was an epic one, with all four competitors playing world-class pickleball with hands of gold, strong mental fortitude, and next-level offense.

Asked how they planned to celebrate, Tardio didn’t hesitate.

“You guys should know by now, we’re going to Korean barbecue and we might go to the casino. At this point, it’s kind of… how do you say it? Tradition,” he said. “Every Sunday, win or lose, we go to a nice dinner and then do something fun.”

Johns also praised his partner’s creativity, particularly when Tardio unleashes his signature forehand speed-up.

“I love it when he gets a forehand on the outside of the court and he gives them the shoulder throw — what I call the shimmy or the shake — and then speeds it up somewhere,” Johns said. “I’m like, hey, whatever you’re going to hit, it’s probably going to work out well for us.”

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Women’s Doubles: Bright and Waters Roll

For the third match of the day, Waters paired with Anna Bright to defeat Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black 11-1, 13-11, 11-7.

The victory added to an already dominant partnership résumé and secured Waters’ first gold of the day.

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Men’s Singles: Haworth Stays Hot

Haworth defeated Johns 11-6, 11-6 in a match that moved quickly, with Johns visibly drained after competing in three championship matches. The GOAT was even seen chugging a Reign energy drink throughout the contest on the sidelines.

Asked whether his purple championship outfit had any magic in it, Haworth grinned.

“I mean, I hope so. It matches my new paddle… I think I look okay.”

Then came the bigger reflection.

“It feels amazing, and it’s always fun to play Ben. It’s such an honor. He’s the legend of the sport, so it was really fun to play him in the finals.”

For Haworth, the win adds to a remarkable 2025–26 run that already includes multiple gold medals and consecutive tournament victories — making him one of only seven men in PPA history to win back-to-back events.

Johns, meanwhile, was denied his triple crown bid and finished Championship Sunday 1-for-3 in finals.

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Women’s Singles: Waters Finishes Strong

After a tough mixed doubles loss earlier in the day, Waters returned to the court for women’s singles determined to channel her emotions productively.

“I was trying for it to not be anger,” Waters said afterward. “I was just trying to make it… good energy. Especially in the last match of the day, I try to use as little energy on celebrations and stuff as possible because I am a little worn out.”

The strategy worked.

Waters dominated Kate Fahey 11-3, 11-1 in a brisk final that left little doubt. Staying contained emotionally has become part of her late-day formula.

“Sometimes I honestly think that helps me because I stay super even-keeled,” she said. “I like to say it’s how you finish, not how you start. So I’m happy with my finish today.”

With the win, Waters secured her second gold of the day — women’s singles and women’s doubles — but fell short of the triple crown after the earlier defeat in mixed doubles.

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The Takeaways:

(1) Both Waters and Johns carried a massive physical burden Sunday, each competing in all three championship matches.

Waters finished 2-for-3.
Johns finished 1-for-3.

It's difficult to say how much longer "Triple Crowns" will be a reasonable expectation for either Waters or Johns, especially given the ever-growing competition. 

(2) Bright and Patriquin appear to be a serious threat to the dominance of Johns/Waters in mixed doubles given their victory of the day. Could there be a new #1 team on the horizon? 

(3) Chris Haworth has now established himself as the player to beat in men's singles, sweeping nearly every event so far in 2026 and looking virtually unstoppable.

The 2026 season continues at SXY Newport Beach Open on March 2-8, giving the pros a much needed week off after playing back-to-back events this last two weeks.