Pickleball UnionPickleball Union
  • Pro Community
  • News
    • Recent Posts
    • Interviews
  • 101
    • Pickleball 101
    • Where To Play
    • Rating Quiz
  • Training
    • All Training Posts
    • Injury Prevention & Recovery
    • Pickleball Ratings
    • Strategic Stretching for Pickleball
  • Gear
    • All Reviews & Guides
    • Beginner Paddles
    • Intermediate Paddles
    • Advanced Paddles
    • Aesthetic Paddles
    • Pickleball Nets
    • Pickleball Eyewear
    • Pickleball Machines
  • Newsletter

Staying in the pickleball loop just got easier

Get the 5-minute newsletter over 40,000+ of your pickleball friends read every week.

By subscribing you agree to the Pickleball Union's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook X (Twitter)
Pickleball UnionPickleball Union
  • Pro Community
  • News
    • Recent Posts
    • Interviews
  • 101
    • Pickleball 101
    • Where To Play
    • Rating Quiz
  • Training
    • All Training Posts
    • Injury Prevention & Recovery
    • Pickleball Ratings
    • Strategic Stretching for Pickleball
  • Gear
    • All Reviews & Guides
    • Beginner Paddles
    • Intermediate Paddles
    • Advanced Paddles
    • Aesthetic Paddles
    • Pickleball Nets
    • Pickleball Eyewear
    • Pickleball Machines
  • Newsletter
Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook X (Twitter)
Pickleball UnionPickleball Union
Home»Pickleball News»Old And New Guard On Show In Kansas City Open

Old And New Guard On Show In Kansas City Open

Adam HowarthBy Adam Howarth08/27/2023Updated:08/30/20234 Mins Read
Milan Rane (l) and Gabe Tardio - Image courtesy of ppatour.com
Milan Rane (l) and Gabe Tardio - Image courtesy of ppatour.com
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

So, it’s been pretty much business as usual at the PPA Tour’s Vulcan Kansas City Open, although we have seen the rise of a few unfancied players as well. This is all proof of pickleball’s engaging unpredictability and its liking for throwing up giant killers on a regular basis.

Showdown

In the mixed doubles final, it’s set to be a showdown between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams. The presence of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters or Riley Newman and Jessie Irvine usually guarantees a formidable challenge. 

Milan Rane (l) and Gabe Tardio - Image courtesy of ppatour.com
Milan Rane (l) and Gabe Tardio – Image courtesy of ppatour.com

These pairs have consistently demonstrated their dominance, making them clear favorites. As anticipated, they flexed their muscles on Friday and advanced confidently through their respective brackets.

Yet, an intriguing narrative emerges if we delve deeper and examine the semifinals. While the top-seeded teams exerted their influence, the underdogs seized their moment to shine.

Mixed-doubles pairing Milan Rane and Gabe Tardio shared their perspective: “You try not to think about them and who they are.” 

Image courtesy of ppatour.com
Image courtesy of ppatour.com

Impressively, Rane and Tardio, seeded 30th, secured a place in the semi-final. On their way, they clinched victories over Parenteau and McGuffin, Patrick Smith and Irina Tereschenko, and Dylan Frazier and Andrea Koop in a thrilling match that finished 10-12, 11-5, 11-9.

Their journey to the PPA semifinal was marked by victories against formidable opponents, including Catherine Parenteau and Tyson McGuffin, recent triple crown winners at the Tournament of Champions in Utah. 

Joint Training Sessions

Rane expressed his elation: “It’s amazing. All my friends in South Florida have had tons of success, and I’ve been waiting and waiting. I thought it would be my time soon, and it looks like it is. I’m happy about that.”

The @vulcanpb Kansas City 🏙️ Open, presented by @ChickenNPickle!

🏆 Kansas City Open
🗓️ Aug. 24th-27th
⏰ 10am-6pm CT
📍 Overland Park, KS
📺 @PrimeVideo & @TennisChannel pic.twitter.com/z83nkZgLxV

— Carvana PPA Tour (@PPAtour) August 21, 2023

The synergy between Rane and Tardio was nurtured in Florida through joint training sessions with other professionals, including J.W. and Jorja Johnson. 

This consistent competitive environment not only enhances skills but also readies players for high-stakes encounters against formidable opponents.

A Relatively Novel Achievement

Travis Rettenmaier, paired with Jade Kawamoto on the opposite side of the bracket, shared his perspective: “They’re great players, but not intimidating one bit.” 

Reflecting on his background of competing against prominent individuals, Rettenmaier considered such matches as part of his routine. 

While Rettenmaier and Kawamoto both hold silver and bronze medals on the PPA Tour, making it to Championship Court appearances and semifinals was a relatively novel achievement for them.

Kawamoto (l) and Rettenmaier - Image courtesy of ppatour.com (2)
Kawamoto (l) and Rettenmaier – Image courtesy of ppatour.com

Nevertheless, their performance on Friday exuded confidence. As the 13th seed, they overcame established names, including Callan Dawson and Mary Brascia, James Ignatowich, and Anna Bright, and Brendon Long and Bobbi Oshiro before earning the opportunity to face Johns and Waters.

“The Goal Is To Have Fun”

Kawamoto expressed her evolution: “It’s getting more comfortable each time. The pressure isn’t on us. The goal is to have fun and play our best.”

With a relaxed demeanor prevailing, there was room for humor and camaraderie. Rettenmaier quipped, “Mostly at her [Jade’s] expense,” highlighting the lighthearted interactions. 

Rettenmaier emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to compete while enjoying the experience: “I just appreciate being able to play and enjoying myself. If the results come, great. If they don’t, no problem. I’m just trying to do my best with the age I am and the skill set I have.”

The outcomes crystallized on Friday, as Kawamoto and Rettenmaier secured the bronze, triumphing over Tardio and Rane by 11-2, 11-13, 11-9 in a closely contested match.

Kawamoto humorously recounted the pairing process: “I feel like I was a great second choice since Travis texted Jackie first. But she already had a partner, so I’m glad it worked out. We keep it light and fun, and there’s a little less pressure when you can gel well with your partner.”

Our own Jane Hollon will be providing an in-depth review of the tournament in the next few days – don’t miss it!

smart mag child\assets\img\YouTube Thumbnail Featured Image.jpg

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

PPA Tour Vulcan Kansas City Open
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn
Previous ArticleLauren Stratman Slowly Finding Her Way In The Singles Game
Next Article Vlogger David Dobrik Holds Charity Pickleball Tournament
Adam Howarth

When I first started writing about pickleball, I hadn't appreciated the huge range of related features it encompasses: from building communities and players fighting against court closures to overcoming health challenges and raising money for charity, it's a whole new world! I love the stories about the smaller towns from the farthest-flung corners of the U.S. and how those residents have adopted pickleball to create friendships and community spirit.

Improve your game and stay connected to the sport you love.
Get the 5-minute newsletter over 40,000+ pickleball fanatics swear by.
By subscribing you agree to the Pickleball Union's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
profile

"Y'all have one of the best newsletters in the game!"
- Jack Munro

image
profile

"Y'all have one of the best newsletters in the game!" - Jack Munro

Related Posts

Connor Garnetts Unreal Comeback Against Jack Sock at the PPA Orange County Cup 1

Connor Garnett’s Unreal Comeback Against Jack Sock at the PPA Orange County Cup

Pickleball Union Featured Image Drafts 12

UPA of America: Could This New Governing Body Change Pickleball As We Know It?

UTPR VS WPR

Pickleball Rating Systems: UTPR Vs WPR

Staying in the pickleball loop just got easier

Get the 5-minute newsletter over 40,000+ of your pickleball friends read every week.

By subscribing you agree to the Pickleball Union's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

Access more inside Pickleball Union Pro

Join over 40,000+ pickleball fanatics!
Tips, drills, and strategies turning 3.0's into 4.0's

Unsubscribe at any time.

YouTube TikTok Instagram Facebook X (Twitter)
  • Pro Community
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 Pickleball Union
A Legion Media brand - powered by Digital Authority Group
N28W23000 Roundy Dr.
Pewaukee, WI 53072

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.