Teenage talent took centre stage at the PPA Ottawa 125, with all gold medallists in the professional divisions under to players under the age of 18.
The second event hosted by PPA Tour Canada ran alongside the PPA Tour Asia’s Hong Kong Slam, but while established names claimed titles in Asia, the Canadian capital witnessed a showcase of emerging talent.
17-year-old Andrew Caldarella, 14-year-old Kelly Goodnow and 13-year-old Elsie Hendershot led the charge, each winning two titles. Caldarella and Hendershot narrowly missed out on Triple Crowns after settling for silver in their respective singles draws.
16-year-old Danny Phillips also enjoyed a successful outing, winning the men’s singles title, while compatriot Braden Jacobson, also 16, claimed men’s doubles gold alongside Caldarella.
Hendershot’s double-title haul further underlined the depth of young talent on display at the tournament. The 13-year-old was among the standout performers of the weekend, while Goodnow also secured two titles at the event.
13-year-old Natalia Simson added to the impressive showing by the next generation, winning silver in women’s doubles alongside Mary McGowan and bronze in women’s singles.
The results highlighted the growing presence of young players in pickleball’s professional ranks, with teenagers dominating the podium across the pro divisions in Ottawa.
While the PPA Tour Asia’s Hong Kong Slam featured many familiar names, the PPA Ottawa 125 offered a glimpse of the sport’s emerging stars and their potential to make an impact at the highest level.
The performances also provided further encouragement for the future of professional pickleball, as young players continue to compete for major titles.
The PPA Tour Canada calendar will next move to Toronto, where the PPA Toronto 125 is scheduled to take place from November 26 to November 29.
Full results from PPA Tour Asia’s PPA Ottawa 125:
MEN’S DOUBLES
Gold: Braden Jacobson-Andrew Caldarella
Silver: Wil Shaffer-Eduardo Santini Ayon
Bronze: Armaan Jiwa Mawji-Joel Poland
MEN’S SINGLES
Gold: Danny Phillips
Silver: Andrew Caldarella
Bronze: Braden Jacobson
MIXED DOUBLES
Gold: Elsie Hendershot-Andrew Caldarella
Silver: Dale Kim-Mary McGowan
Bronze: Marie-Christine Salvas-Xavier Richard
WOMEN’S DOUBLES
Gold: Kelly Goodnow-Elsie Hendershot
Silver: Mary McGowan-Natalia Simson
Bronze: Jessica Kawamoto-Tara Di Giuseppe
WOMEN’S SINGLES
Gold: Kelly Goodnow
Silver: Elsie Hendershot
Bronze: Natalia Simson
