Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright continued their success at the Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships and secured the semi-final win against Hurricane Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson. 

The final score was 11-9, 11-2. 

Previously when these two teams faced off at the Rate Vegas Cup, Johnson, Black defeated Waters, Bright, so it was clear from the jump that the No. 1 seeds were looking for a comeback.

“We came into this match telling ourselves that we have no pressure and we need to play free and controlled,” said Bright. 

Additionally, the sudden wind gusts during the match forced the women to adapt and get creative with the conditions. Bright spoke on the changes:

“Anna Leigh and I were both pretty comfortable, kind of hitting our dinks pretty heavy in our mixed match. But then in these kind of swirly conditions, you're so tight, and the ball's moving so much. So the style of play does change a lot. And it's not easy, but it's a welcome challenge. And I'm glad we got through it,” said Bright. 

Additionally, Waters has had quite the rigorous Saturday, competing in two three game battles in singles and mixed today, Waters vulnerably shared just how exhausting pursuing a triple crown can be. 

“Honestly, last night was kind of rough for me because I knew I had really tough matches today. I knew Kaitlyn [Christian] was gonna be a tough match. I knew in mixed against Anna, we always go to three games, and she always pushes me. And then with Tyra and Jorja I really wanted to win this one because we lost last time,” Waters said. 

But, she credited Bright for helping her get through the match. 

“Anna played absolutely amazing. She moved the ball around great. I was there to support and put away some balls,” said Waters. 

During the match, Waters favored hitting more drop shots. Waters provided the strategic decision behind prioritizing that shot.

“I was just trying to tire them out. This is my third match of the day and I wanted to put us on an equal playing field,” said Waters. 

“I felt like all the matches today definitely could have been a final. The draws are getting so deep. But I wanted to go in today focusing on one match at a time. And I feel like tomorrow we're gonna do the same thing. But I’m happy to end the day on a good note,” concluded Waters. 

Waters and Bright will be going for gold against Parris Todd and Catherine Parenteau in women’s doubles. Additionally, Waters will be competing for her 38th triple crown.