Orange County Cup Men’s Race for Finals: The semifinals of Orange County cup at the latest southern California showdown of pickleball’s finest delivered excitement and surprises, setting the stage for an intense final showdown.
Men’s Singles Showdown
In men’s singles, Chris Haworth showcased his tenacity and skill, securing a hard-fought victory over No. 2 seed Ben Johns in a thrilling three-game battle. The match saw Haworth prevail with scores of 11-4, 3-11, and 11-7, demonstrating his ability to adapt and dominate when it mattered most. His path to the final promises a showdown of grit and determination against another formidable contender.
Meanwhile, Federico Staksrud continued his dominant run in 2024, advancing to his twelfth men’s singles final with a commanding performance against No. 4 seed Tyson McGuffin. Staksrud’s precise play and strategic skills were on full display as he claimed victory in straight sets, 11-5, 11-5, highlighting his status as the top seed and a force to be reckoned with in the pickleball circuit.
The stage is now set for an epic clash in the men’s singles final, where Staksrud will square off against the resilient Chris Haworth. Haworth, fresh from his semifinal win, will look to capitalize on his momentum and challenge Staksrud’s dominance in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
Men’s Doubles Drama
In men’s doubles, the action was equally intense as partnerships battled for a shot at glory. JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier showed their mettle by overcoming No. 4 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Dekel Bar in straight sets, 11-4, 11-9. Their disciplined play and tactical awareness allowed them to outperform their opponents and secure a spot in the final.
On the other side of the bracket, Hayden Patriquin and Pablo Tellez continued their impressive campaign, defeating No. 12 seeds Julian Arnold and Jack Munro with scores of 11-4, 11-9. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Patriquin and Tellez, who have reached their first final together, showcasing their chemistry and competitive spirit on the court.
Semi-Final Standings
Men’s Singles
| Matchup | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 |
| Federico Staksrud vs Tyson McGuffin | 11-5 | 11-5 | 0-0 |
| Ben Johns vs Chris Haworth | 4-11 | 11-3 | 7-11 |
Men’s Doubles
| Matchup | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 |
| Hayden Patriquin / Pablo Tellez vs Jack Munro / Julian Arnold | 11-7 | 11-7 | 0-0 |
| Dylan Frazier / James Johnson vs Dekel Bar / Tyson McGuffin | 11-4 | 11-9 | 0-0 |
As anticipation builds for Championship Sunday, pickleball enthusiasts can expect nothing short of exhilarating matches and exceptional displays of athleticism and strategy. The dynamic matchups in both singles and doubles finals promise to deliver memorable moments and reaffirm the sport’s growing popularity among players and fans.
The Southern California pickleball scene is abuzz with excitement as the stage is set for crowning champions and celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie at its finest.
News in Brief: Orange County Cup Men’s Race for Finals
The Orange County Cup pickleball semifinals featured intense matches, setting the stage for thrilling finals. In men’s singles, Chris Haworth defeated No. 2 seed Ben Johns, and Federico Staksrud continued his dominant run by beating Tyson McGuffin. The singles final will see Haworth face top seed Staksrud.
In men’s doubles, JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier won over McGuffin and Dekel Bar, while Hayden Patriquin and Pablo Tellez overcame Julian Arnold and Jack Munro. Both finals promise exhilarating matches, highlighting the sport’s dynamic and growing popularity.
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