Former singles world No. 1 John White and women’s pro doubles world No. 6 Georgina Stoker upset the top two seeds to win the inaugural $20,000 Onwentsia Masters Mixed Pro title—the second Professional Mixed Doubles event of the season—April 10, in Lake Forest Illinois.
Stoker & White opened up their tournament with a four-game win over Onwentsia head professional Aidan Harrison & world No. 7 Suzie Pierrepont to set up a semifinal against two seeds Lauren West & Alexander Noakes.
Stoker & White then pulled off a decisive upset over West & Noakes 15-8, 15-13, 15-13 to reach the finals where they met top seeds Elani Landman & James Bamber.
Aidan Harrison reports on the final: “The first final of the day was the Pro Draw which saw speedy James Bamber from England playing exceptional squash and was balanced well with his partner South African, Elani Landman from NYAC. The strength of current world champion Georgina Stoker from England and John White was on full display as they were able to move up a gear at vital times during the match which carried them as they faced an uphill battle being two games to love down. Once Stoker was able to handle the thundering pace from Bamber on the crosscourt, she was able to contain Elani on the left wall. At crucial times in the third and fourth games at 10-all, Bamber made unforced errors and gave confidence to White who was able to make his accurate winners to tie up the match two-all. What a fifth game. Back and forth with both teams looking to force a winner at the right times, but it was the sneaky shooting by Stoker that gave her and White the first Masters Mixed Pro title at Onwentsia winning the fifth 15-11.”
The inaugural Ontwentsia Masters Mixed Pro Title was the second professional Mixed doubles event in as many weeks. The professional Mixed format was introduced for the first time this season with rankings points and prize money on offer for both the men’s and women’s professional doubles tours.