Chris Haworth Pickleball Semifinal Upset: Chris Haworth advanced to the semifinals of the PPA Tour’s Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero after defeating No. 2 seed Federico Staksrud in a three-game battle on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Mason, Ohio. Haworth won 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, extending his recent dominance over Staksrud.
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Haworth Holds Off Late Push from Staksrud
The No. 57 seed looked set to close the match in two games when he led 9-8 in the second. However, Federico Staksrud responded by scoring three straight points to force a deciding game.
Chris Haworth quickly regrouped in the third, jumping out to a 7-3 lead. He kept control the rest of the way, sealing the win and recording his fourth consecutive victory over the Argentine star.
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Mental Strength Key in Decider
Haworth admitted it was difficult to stay focused after letting the second game slip away.
“I felt like I kind of gave up that second game. At 9-8, I hit two out balls in one point that were going to be like ten feet out, so I was a little disappointed,”
he told Pickleballtv’s Kamryn Blackwood and Matt Manasse.
“But I was happy mentally that I could come back in the third.”
A Familiar Name in Big Matches
Though seeded much lower than the other semifinalists, Chris Haworth is no stranger to success. In 2024, he won the Orange County Cup by defeating Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud in back-to-back rounds. The former Oklahoma State University tennis player explained his mindset as he continues another deep tournament run.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel like I could beat everyone, so I just try to play with confidence. I know everyone can beat me too, so it just depends on the day. But you have to go into each match with a lot of belief.”(Chris Haworth)
What Comes Next
Chris Haworth will face No. 3 seed Connor Garnett in Saturday’s semifinal. With strong momentum and growing confidence, Haworth now has another chance to prove he belongs among the best men’s singles players on the PPA Tour.
News in Brief: Chris Haworth Pickleball Semifinal Upset
Chris Haworth upset No. 2 seed Federico Staksrud at the PPA Cincinnati Showcase, winning 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 to reach the semifinals. Haworth, ranked No. 57, credited his confidence and mental strength. He will now face No. 3 seed Connor Garnett in Saturday’s semifinal in Mason, Ohio.
ALSO READ: From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Glory: How Chris Haworth Is Shaking Up the Sport in 2024