Mari Humberg and CJ Klinger’s PPA Tour Kansas City Open left a lasting impression in the Mixed Doubles bracket. Their tournament journey was marked by an exhilarating victory over a top-seeded pair, though it ultimately concluded in the Round of 16. Here’s a look at their path through the tournament.
Early Matches: Round of 64 to Round of 32
Round of 64: A Convincing Opening
Mari Humberg and Carson Klinger launched their campaign with a strong performance in the Round of 64. They faced Olivia McMillan and Patrick Smith and secured a place in the next round with scores of 11-7 and 11-8. This win set the stage for a promising tournament run.
Round of 32: Upset Victory
The Round of 32 brought a significant challenge as Humberg and Klinger went up against the No. 9 seeds, Vivian Glozman and Tyson McGuffin. In a thrilling match, Humberg and Klinger won with scores of 6-11, 13-11, and 11-5. Playing in a reverse stack with Humberg on the left and Klinger on the right, they showed impressive skill and strategy.
Klinger, a left-handed player, utilized his forehands effectively in the middle, while Humberg, renowned for her one-handed backhand, engaged in intense crosscourt dinks with McGuffin. The match delivered a series of captivating exchanges, with Klinger’s quick hands providing key moments of brilliance.
Round of 16: Challenging Defeat
Round of 16: A Tough Battle
Humberg and Klinger’s journey faced a significant hurdle in the Round of 16 against the No. 6 seeds, Christian Alshon and Marietta Wright. Despite putting up a strong fight, they were ultimately defeated with scores of 11-8, 4-11, and 9-11. The match tested their resolve and highlighted the high level of competition in the tournament.
Mari Humberg and CJ Klinger Score Table
| Round | Opponent(s) | Score |
| Round of 64 | Olivia McMillan / Patrick Smith | 11-7, 11-8 |
| Round of 32 | Vivian Glozman / Tyson McGuffin | 6-11, 13-11, 11-5 |
| Round of 16 | Christian Alshon / Marietta Wright | 11-8, 4-11, 9-11 |
A Promising Performance Cut Short
Despite the defeat, Humberg and Klinger’s performance throughout the tournament was commendable. Their upset of Glozman and McGuffin highlighted their potential and ability to compete at a high level, even against more experienced opponents.
For Humberg and Klinger, the tournament may have ended in the Round of 16, but their journey through the bracket showed a blend of strategy, skill, and tenacity. They demonstrated that they are a pair to watch in future tournaments, and their performance in the mixed doubles draw has set a high standard for the next generation of pickleball players.
News in Brief: Mari Humberg and CJ Klinger’s PPA Tour
Mari Humberg and Carson Klinger made a notable impact at the PPA Tour Kansas City Open. They began with a solid 11-7, 11-8 victory over Olivia McMillan and Patrick Smith in the Round of 64. In the Round of 32, they pulled off a significant upset by defeating No. 9 seeds Vivian Glozman and Tyson McGuffin with scores of 6-11, 13-11, 11-5.
Their strategic play, including Klinger’s quick hands and Humberg’s one-handed backhand, was a highlight. However, their tournament run ended in the Round of 16 with a tough loss to No. 6 seeds Christian Alshon and Marietta Wright, falling 11-8, 4-11, 9-11. Despite this, their performance showed their skill and competitive edge.
