The depth in the singles game, especially on the men’s side, is deeper than it’s ever been which is treating us fans to very special matches each and every PPA tournament. Today was no exception so let’s get into what we saw in Brigham City, Utah.
Men’s Singles Championship: (2) Tyson McGuffin vs (4) Connor Garnett
Two of the best singles players in pro pickleball right now are Tyson McGuffin and Connor Garnett who happen to have a close relationship. The two often train together in Coeur d’Alene Idaho where Tyson lives and Saturday they will once again go head-to-head for a chance at a gold medal. The last time they faced off in a final was at the PPA’s San Clemente event where it was McGuffin that got the best of Garnett in two tight games.
How Did They Get Here
Tyson’s day started off with a tight three gamer over (31) Mota ALhouni in which he won 11-3, 8-11, 11-3. He followed that up with a high entertaining QF over the uber athletic Collin Shick 11-8, 11-6. In the SF it was Christopher Haworth who was standing between him and Championship Saturday. Haworth upset both Ryan Sherry and Jay Devilliers to claim his semifinal spot but it was too much McGuffin as he relied on his experience and ferrari forehand to seal the victory 11-8, 11-7.
Connor Garnett’s path to the final was a bumpy one but he showed a lot of composure in the pressure moments all day long. After a game 1 loss 11-3 to Quang Duong in round 2 he fought back to win the next two games 11-7, 11-8. In the QF he took out Christian Alshon in a seesaw back and forth match that ended 8-11, 11-5, 11-6. In the SF he faced off against (1) Federico Staksrud in what was the match of the day. Both players had match points but it was Garnett who was able to come away with the win 12-10, 6-11, 14-12 to stamp his ticket to Saturday.
Women’s Singles Championship: (1) Catherine Parenteau vs (2) Salome Devidze
The women’s singles day was a bit more straightforward as both (4) Mary Brascia and (7) Hurricane Tyra Black were late scratches from the draw.
Parenteau was able to survive an early scare in the QF from (8) Yana Newell who has been on a tear in singles lately. After winning game 1 11-8 Parenteau dropped game 2 2-11 but was able to regroup and win game 3 11-7. In the SF her court coverage and shot making came alive as she defeated (5) Lauren Stratman 11-4, 11-5.
On the other side Salome Devidze was off to the races after getting by (15) Jamie Haas in round 1 in three games. In the QF she beat (10) Sharienne Ricardo 1 & 3 and then took out veteran (3) Irina Tereschenko 7 & 3 to advance to Saturday’s final.
On The Horizon
Mixed Doubles kicks off tomorrow morning at 10AM MST. This is a day you will not want to miss as there are several brand new partnerships making their debut. Follow the PPA Tour on social media as matches will be split between their YouTube channel and CBS Sports.
