Earlier today, we witnessed a major upset! UPSET ALERT! No. 16 @roscoebellamy stunned everyone by defeating No. 1 @benjohns_pb! What an incredible match!
Garnett outlasts Staksrud, books spot in men’s singles final
After an intense match that spanned over an hour and featured seven-player challenges, Connor Garnett has advanced to Championship Sunday at the Rate Championships presented by Skechers.
The No. 3 seed triumphed over top-seeded Federico Staksrud with a score of 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, marking his sixth singles final appearance of 2024.
A key highlight of the match was Garnett’s resilience in closing out games despite having significant leads. He had an 8-4 advantage in Game 1 but ultimately lost, and after leading 4-0 in Game 2, he managed to secure the win. In the decisive Game 3, Garnett held a 9-4 lead and successfully closed out the match when it mattered most.
While Connor Garnett is typically recognized for his two-handed backhand, his forehand proved decisive in Thursday’s match.
He delivered several stunning winners from that side, including some exquisite crosscourt drops that clearly caught Staksrud off guard.
This success stems from the extra time Garnett dedicated to honing his forehand in preparation for the tournament.
“In the last couple of tournaments, I came up a little short on the forehand side,” he mentioned. “I know it’s a spot that people are looking to attack, so over the last week I’ve really been focusing on modifying my technique on that, and I’m super fortunate that it was able to come into effect here.”
In the Men’s Singles Pro Main Draw semi-finals at the Guaranteed Rate Las Vegas Open, Connor Garnett triumphed over Federico Staksrud with a match score of 11-9, 6-11, 11-9.
Quang Duong Dominates to Reach Finals at PPA Tour
In an outstanding performance, Quang Duong, the No. 6 seed, secured his spot in the finals with a decisive 11-2, 11-2 victory over No. 30 seed Michael Loyd in the men’s singles semifinals. Duong’s powerful serve-and-drive combination proved too much for Loyd, who had a remarkable tournament run, defeating notable competitors including Greg Dow and Claudio Quinones Garcia to reach his first PPA semifinal.
Reflecting on his success, Duong praised his father as his primary source of support. “Everyone has their own safe place to look to when they’re down, so my dad is kind of my safe place whenever I need some help or strategy,” the 18-year-old remarked.
Duong’s win marks his second singles final of the year, showcasing his growth as arguably the most improved player on tour since 2023. On Sunday, he will face No. 3 seed Connor Garnett in the finals, who triumphed over Federico Staksrud in a thrilling three-game semifinal match.
As the anticipation builds for this final showdown, all eyes will be on Duong as he aims to claim the men’s singles crown.
Championship Showdown: Garnett vs. Duong on Championship Sunday! 🙌
Get ready for an exciting clash in the men’s singles final as Connor Garnett takes on Quang Duong this Sunday!
- Event: Men’s Singles Final 🏆
- Date & Time: 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT 🕑
- Where to Watch: Tune in on @pickleballtv 📺
This highly anticipated match promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the tour’s top players. Quang Duong, the No. 6 seed, has shown impressive form throughout the tournament, while No. 3 seed Connor Garnett has also delivered standout performances.
Don’t miss out on this championship face-off! Grab your snacks, settle in, and cheer for your favorite player as they vie for the title!
