JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier secured their place in the men’s doubles final of the PPA Kansas City Open, emerging victorious with a decisive 11-9, 11-6 win over the No. 6 seeds, Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin.
In a match marked by precision and strategic depth, Johnson and Frazier showed why they are the top seeds in the tournament. Their performance was a masterclass in patience and adaptability at the kitchen line, as they deftly countered the aggressive play of their opponents. Despite a brief scare when Alshon and Patriquin surged to a 5-2 lead in the second game, Johnson and Frazier maintained their composure. They rallied back to claim nine of the final ten points, sealing their spot in the Championship Sunday showdown.
Strategic Discipline and Patience
The match was a testament to the duo’s disciplined approach. Johnson and Frazier’s ability to remain patient during their opponents’ strong moments was crucial to their success.
“Hayden and Christian are both very talented players who have been playing well over the past few pickleball tournaments and have incredible hands, so we just had to pick the right moments and remember to stay disciplined when opportunities weren’t there. Sometimes that’s tough to do, especially when they’re on a run, but usually the better option is to stay in the dink rally a little longer.” – (Frazier)
Their tactical approach allowed them to overcome the challenge posed by Alshon and Patriquin, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable team. This victory marks their fifth consecutive appearance on Championship Sunday in the PPA Tour, highlighting their consistent excellence and strategic skills.
Facing the Final Challenge
Looking ahead, Johnson and Frazier are set to face off against the No. 4 seeds, Federico Staksrud and Gabriel Tardio, in the final. This upcoming match promises to be another test of their strategic skills and adaptability as they compete for the title. As the PPA Kansas City Open nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on these two teams as they battle for supremacy in the men’s doubles division.
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News in Brief: JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier
JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier have advanced to the men’s doubles final at the PPA Kansas City Open, defeating No. 6 seeds Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin 11-9, 11-6. The top seeds showed their precision and strategic depth, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the second game to win nine of the last ten points.
Their disciplined approach and patience at the kitchen line were crucial, as noted by Frazier, who emphasized the importance of staying composed and waiting for the right moments. Johnson and Frazier will face No. 4 seeds Federico Staksrud and Gabriel Tardio in the final, promising a high-stakes showdown to determine the champion.
Also Read: Morales and Grider Claim Gold in PPA Kansas City: Senior Doubles
