Federico Staksrud and Gabriel Tardio in PPA Final: Federico Staksrud and Gabriel Tardio have secured their place in the men’s doubles gold medal match at the PPA Kansas City Open. The South American duo clinched their spot with a gripping 11-9, 1-11, 11-5 win over the No. 2 seeds, Ben and Collin Johns, in an intense showdown that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
A Battle of Momentum Shifts
The match started as a dramatic battle of momentum. Staksrud and Tardio grabbed the first game in a tight 11-9 finish, coming from behind to score the last six points. Their opponents, however, responded with an impressive rally in the second game, seizing the initial nine points and ultimately forcing a decisive third set.
In the final game, the No. 4 seeds delivered a masterful performance. Tardio’s aggressive right-side play and Staksrud’s precise one-handed backhand flick proved to be a winning combination. The duo’s strategic play and composure allowed them to dominate the final set, closing it out with a commanding 11-5 score.
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Staying Calm Under Pressure
The key to Staksrud and Tardio’s success lay in their ability to remain focused after a tough second game. Despite the setback, they maintained their composure and adapted their strategy effectively.
“Things like that are gonna happen. [Ben and Collin] are a great team, and they’re gonna have good moments just like we’re gonna have bad moments. Gabe told me to just keep being aggressive and keep pulling the trigger. That’s what we practice for, to be able to compete like that in these important moments.” – (Staksrud)
With their victory, Staksrud and Tardio are now set to face the winner of the second semifinal, which features No. 1 seeds Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson against No. 6 seeds Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin. The gold medal match on Sunday promises to be a thrilling finale to an exciting tournament.
News in Brief: Federico Staksrud and Gabriel Tardio in PPA Final
Federico Staksrud and Gabriel Tardio have advanced to the men’s doubles final at the PPA Kansas City Open after a thrilling 11-9, 1-11, 11-5 victory over No. 2 seeds Ben and Collin Johns. The match was marked by dramatic momentum shifts, with Staksrud and Tardio clinching the first game, suffering a heavy loss in the second, but ultimately dominating the third.
Their ability to stay composed and adapt under pressure was key to their success. They will now face the winner of the semifinal between Dylan Frazier and JW Johnson versus Christian Alshon and Hayden Patriquin in the gold medal match.
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