Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud secured a comeback victory on Thursday in the mixed doubles Round of 16 at the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour match in Cincinnati saw the pair edge past Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik in three games to move into the quarterfinals.
Early Setback in the Opener
Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik started the match with control and confidence. They used sharp shots and strong teamwork to win the first game 11-4. Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud struggled early but quickly adjusted for the rest of the match.
Strong Response from Tuionetoa and Staksrud
In the second game, Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud found their rhythm. They pressured their opponents with quick volleys and deep returns, winning 11-1 in dominant fashion. The lopsided score shifted the momentum firmly in their favor heading into the decider.
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Tight Finish in the Decider
The third game was close, with both pairs trading points. Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik fought hard to stay in the contest, but Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud held their nerve. They closed the match 12-10, completing the comeback to secure their spot in the next round.
Significance of the Win
With this result, Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud advance to the quarterfinals, keeping their championship hopes alive in Cincinnati. For Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik, the loss ends their mixed doubles run, though they may still appear in other pro events during the tournament.
News in Brief: Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud
Etta Tuionetoa and Federico Staksrud defeated Eric Oncins and Tina Pisnik 4-11, 11-1, 12-10 in the mixed doubles Round of 16 at the Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero. After dropping the first game, they rallied back to win in three games and reach the quarterfinals of the PPA Tour event.
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