Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong, seeded No. 11, battled through a dramatic three-game match to defeat Jay Devilliers and Pablo Tellez, the No. 7 seeds, and earn the final men’s doubles quarterfinal spot at the PPA Tour: Veolia North Carolina Open on Friday.
Comeback After a Tough Start
Garnett and Loong found themselves in early trouble after dropping Game 1, 9-11, and falling behind 1-6 in Game 2. But the duo, who are teammates on the Utah Black Diamonds, mounted a stunning eight-point run to take the lead and eventually close out the game 12-10, forcing a decider.
Final Game Goes Down to the Wire
Game 3 was just as tense. Garnett and Loong were up 10-6, but Devilliers and Tellez rallied to tie the score at 10-10. On their third match point, Garnett and Loong finally sealed the win 12-10, ending a match that lasted over an hour.
Quarterfinal Clash Set
With the win, Garnett and Loong now advance to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face No. 4 seeds Tyson McGuffin and Dekel Bar, who defeated Brandon French and Wyatt Stone in straight games earlier in the day.
North Carolina Open Continues With High Drama
The Veolia North Carolina Open, held at Cary Tennis Park in Cary, NC, runs through April 6, 2025, featuring professional and amateur brackets.
Fans can follow the action live on multiple streaming courts or attend in person, with growing crowds and high-level pickleball on display all weekend.
Garnett and Loong Gain Momentum
The hard-fought win gives Garnett and Loong momentum as they head into their match against one of the tournament’s top teams. Their resilience and chemistry under pressure could prove valuable as the stakes rise in the later rounds.
News in Brief: Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong
Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong defeated Jay Devilliers and Pablo Tellez in a tight 9-11, 12-10, 12-10 match at the Veolia North Carolina Open. The No. 11 seeds will now play McGuffin and Bar in the quarterfinals after winning a thrilling final set.
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