Bronze medal matches returning to prominence at PPA events

DALLAS, TX - The bronze medal matches had a new look at last week’s Desert Ridge Open.

Not in terms of players or match mechanics, but in terms of aesthetics.

Instead of being tacked on at the end of long days and garnering small fan turnout, the matches were moved to Championship Sunday morning on Grandstand Court and began two hours before the gold medal matches.

They were also streamed on the PPA YouTube channel to give fans something to watch ahead of the finals.

The hope behind the change is that having a regularly scheduled time for third-place bouts will add credibility to the experience for both players and fans.

“Now that the bronze matches will be regulated and played on streaming courts, more players will have the opportunity to get exposure in big matches,” said PPA Pro Player Director Dillon Segur. “The fans will also be able to enjoy these matches in addition to the championship matches on the grounds.”

This came to life at the Desert Ridge Open, where a number of intriguing storylines followed from the bronze medal matches played in front of packed crowds. 

Augie Ge and Hurricane Tyra Black competed in the mixed doubles bronze medal match on Championship Sunday, falling to Thomas Wilson and Vivienne David 11-8, 12-10. PPA Tour

Kaitlyn Christian earned her first PPA medal (and first pro medal since 2018) with a bronze in women’s singles, and Erik Lange came away with his first pro medal since 2021 alongside Zane Navratil in men’s doubles.

Jay Devilliers earned his first pro medal since April in men’s singles, and the bronze matches also gave fans a chance to see more of Hurricane Tyra Black and Augie Ge, the first-time pairing that took mixed doubles by storm in Phoenix.

With plans to continue playing all the pro medal matches on the final day of each tournament, the term ‘Championship Sunday' has never been more appropriate.