Day three of the Selkirk Red Rock Open pickleball tournament, a major event on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, delivered non-stop action and excitement in St. George, Utah. With gender doubles matches stealing the spotlight, players displayed their skills and teamwork in pursuit of a coveted place in the finals on Championship Saturday.
In the men's doubles category, the sixth-seeded team of Tyson McGuffin & Brendan Long was the talk of the tournament. They put on a dazzling display of skill, remaining undefeated with a 4-0 record and securing their place in the finals on Championship Saturday. This powerful duo showcased an excellent mix of power and touch on the court. Tyson, in particular, generated exceptional force from his Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta paddle, which seemed to be an extension of his arm as he sent shots rocketing across the court.
McGuffin & Long began their day with a dominant performance in the Round of 16, where they faced formidable opponents. They then advanced to the Quarterfinals, where they defeated Jay Devilliers & DJ Young 11-4, 11-2, showcasing their dominance and synergy. In the Semifinals, they faced Selkirk pro James Ignatowich & Riley Newman. Despite a closely contested battle, McGuffin & Long emerged victorious with an 11-9, 13-11 win. The duo will be chasing their first Championship win as a team. Ignatowich & Newman, who put up a valiant fight, took home the bronze medal.
On the opposite side of the men's doubles bracket, top-seeded Dekel Bar & Collin Johns also maintained an unbeaten record throughout the day. Their chemistry and strategy on the court were evident, as they worked together seamlessly to outmaneuver their opponents. In the Round of 16, they faced a tough challenge but managed to secure their spot in the next round.
Their prowess continued into the Quarterfinal, where they emerged victorious against Federico Staksrud & Selkirk's Pablo Tellez 11-9, 11-5. The intense Semifinal match against AJ Koller & Selkirk's Travis Rettenmaier turned out to be a nail-biting three-game thriller, with Bar & Johns ultimately prevailing 11-7, 7-11, 11-6. Their victory sets up a highly anticipated final against McGuffin & Long on Championship Saturday.
In the women's doubles category, fourth-seeded Lea Jansen & Allyce Jones dominated the competition, remaining undefeated as they booked their spot in the Championship Saturday final. Their teamwork, skillful play, and determination were evident from the outset, as they navigated their way through the early rounds with relative ease.
The duo faced a more challenging Quarterfinal match against Mary & Maggie Brascia, ultimately securing victory with an 11-8, 11-8 scoreline. Their Semifinal encounter with top-seeded Lucy Kovalova & Callie Smith proved to be a rollercoaster, featuring a tightly contested three-game match. Jansen & Jones ultimately triumphed, winning 10-12, 11-1, 11-7. Kovalova & Smith, despite their initial disappointment, bounced back to claim the bronze medal.
On the other side of the women's doubles bracket, the sixth-seeded team of Meghan Dizon & Etta Wright pulled off multiple upsets to secure their place in the Championship Saturday finals. Their Cinderella story began in the early rounds, where they demonstrated their grit and determination.
In the Quarterfinals, they faced a tough challenge against Jessie Irvine & Irina Tereschenko. Nevertheless, they conquered their opponents and clinched their second Championship appearance together as a team.
The Selkirk Red Rock Open concludes tomorrow with Championship Saturday. Coverage begins at 10am CT on the PPA Tour YouTube Channel. Below are your Championship Saturday matchups:
Men's Singles:
Tyson McGuffin vs. Pablo Tellez
Women's Singles:
Catherine Parenteau vs. Salome Devidze
Mixed Doubles:
Anna Bright/James Ignatowich vs. Jessie Irvine/AJ Koller
Men's Doubles:
Tyson McGuffin/Brendan Long vs. Dekel Bar/Collin Johns
Women's Doubles:
Lea Jansen/Allyce Jones vs. Meghan Dizon/Etta Wright
