Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins captured the Men’s Doubles gold medal at the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 28, in Kuala Lumpur. The American pair outlasted top seeds Ben Johns and Christian Alshon 2-1 (11-5, 13-15, 11-9) in a dramatic championship match that kept fans on their feet until the final point.
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Championship Sunday Thrills Packed Crowd
The Men’s Doubles final was the highlight of Championship Sunday as a packed Kuala Lumpur crowd witnessed world-class pickleball at its best. McGuffin and Oncins shocked the favorites early by storming through the first game 11-5, using sharp volleys and quick court movement to put Johns and Alshon on the defensive. The crowd roared as the underdogs grabbed the early lead.
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Second Game Becomes a Marathon
The second game turned into a heart-stopping battle. McGuffin and Oncins appeared ready to close out the match quickly, earning multiple championship points. But Ben Johns responded with a masterclass in backhand rolls and perfect leaves, saving point after point to keep the Alshon–Johns team alive. The tense rallies and constant shifts in momentum had both players and fans drenched in sweat as Johns and Alshon clawed their way to a 15-13 win.
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Deciding Game Delivers More Drama
With the score tied, the third game was played at an electrifying pace. Every rally felt like a championship point as both teams refused to give an inch. Tyson McGuffin kept the energy high, encouraging Eric Oncins through each tense exchange. Oncins, competing in his first Championship Sunday, stayed composed and struck key shots to keep his team in control. When McGuffin and Oncins finally converted their last championship point, Oncins sprinted around the court with arms raised while McGuffin celebrated with the crowd, soaking in their golden moment.
Bronze Medal Finish
In the bronze medal match, Zane Navratil and Armaan Bhatia ended their strong week on a winning note. They edged out Jack Wong Hong-kit and Kim Eunggwon to secure third place and add another highlight to an exciting tournament.
Significance of the Victory
This victory marked a major breakthrough for Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins, proving their ability to defeat the world’s top-ranked team in a high-pressure final. Their resilience in the face of multiple match points underscored the unpredictable and thrilling nature of professional pickleball. For Ben Johns and Christian Alshon, the defeat was a reminder of how deep the talent runs on the PPA Tour.
News in Brief: Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins
Tyson McGuffin and Eric Oncins won Men’s Doubles gold at the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025, defeating top seeds Ben Johns and Christian Alshon 2-1 in a tense three-game final. Zane Navratil and Armaan Bhatia captured bronze by beating Jack Wong Hong-kit and Kim Eunggwon in the third-place match.