Bermudian pickleball talent Amani Phillips has made a remarkable impact at the APP Next $15K Pickleball Tournament in St. Louis, emerging as a Back Draw/Consolation finalist in the Women's Open Division after a sensational run.
The tournament brought together 80 of America's most promising players under 23, all vying for the prestigious "CHAMPION" title and a share of the $15,000 prize money.
Phillips began her campaign with a dominant performance in her Women's Open First Round match, dispatching American Ansley Drenner with a convincing 21-9 victory.
However, her mixed doubles challenge, partnering with Carlos Rodriguez from Puerto Rico, ended early as they fell to Americans Dylan Wilhelm and Drenner in a tight three-set encounter, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4. Her journey in the main draw of the Women's Open singles also concluded in the Second Round, where she went down 21-9 to Australia's Emilia Schmidt.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Phillips embarked on an incredible run through the Back Draw/Consolation Round. After receiving a bye in the Second Round, she advanced further when her American opponent Volly Johnson withdrew due to injury. Phillips then showcased her resilience and skill, defeating American Emma Nelson 16-14 in a tight Fourth Round match. She continued her impressive form, overcoming Jade Rau from America 15-8 in the Fifth Round.
The Sixth Round saw Phillips reach the semi-finals, where she once again demonstrated her winning mentality, defeating Lauren Mercado from America 15-9. This set up a thrilling final against American Brooke Revuelta. despite a display of composure and strategic play, Phillips would fall in the final with a nail-biting 15-13 .
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