Keily Ulery competing at the Tucson PPA Challenger in Tucson, AZ.
Keilly Ulery won her first career PPA Challenger title over the weekend in Tucson, AZ. PPA Challenger Series

Tucson PPA Challenger Recap: Ulery captures first title as Shimabukuro medals in all three events

During the latter half of last week’s Pickleball Central Indoor National Championships, the next wave of pickleball pros converged on Arizona for the Tucson PPA Challenger.

Keilly Ulery was the story of the tournament in women’s singles, as she beat Janet Liu 11-0, 11-5 in the final to secure her first career PPA Challenger title.

 

It was a big moment for Ulery, who had previously medaled at four separate PPA Challenger events but had fallen short of a title each time.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It feels like a long time coming in a way. I’ve medaled a few times, but the gold has been elusive for me, so it feels super gratifying to finally get it,” she said afterwards.

Elsewhere, Tama Shimabukuro medaled in all three events he competed in; the 15-year-old sensation earned men’s singles gold with Riley Inn, men’s singles silver, and mixed doubles bronze alongside Samantha Parker.

Here’s a full rundown of the weekend’s medalists from Kino Sports Complex:

Women’s Singles

Men’s Singles

Mixed Doubles

Women’s Doubles

Men’s Doubles

Players will now have a few weeks off from competition before the Houston PPA Challenger, which will run from Feb. 20-22.