Zane Ford Battles Back to Earn First PPA Championship: Zane Ford achieved a career milestone with a dramatic 11-7, 9-11, 12-10 victory over No. 2 seed Michael Loyd in the men’s singles semifinal at the Humana Championship in the Daytona Beach Open. The win propels the 20-year-old into his first PPA Championship Sunday, where he will face top-seeded Federico Staksrud.
A Battle of Momentum
The semifinal was a back-and-forth showdown filled with impressive rallies. After winning the first game, Ford raced to a 7-2 lead in the second, but Loyd mounted a comeback, exploiting Ford’s backhand to force a deciding third game.
Loyd carried his momentum into the final game, leading 7-1. However, Ford staged an incredible rally, firing shots from both wings to erase the deficit and clinch the match on his second opportunity.
Support from a Trusted Partner
Ford credited his success to his men’s doubles partner and coach, Anouar Braham.
“[Anouar’s] a beast and a good coach, too. He definitely helped me out today. He was watching all of my matches and telling me to trust my training and everything that I’ve been doing. I’m happy I got it done, and I’m happy that he was here to help me out.” – (Ford)
Braham provided guidance throughout the day, reminding Ford to trust his training and focus on his strengths.
A Rematch Awaits
Ford’s next challenge is a rematch against Staksrud, who defeated him in Milwaukee last month. Staksrud won in a close 11-9, 8-11, 11-5 contest.
“[Federico] is a great player. I played him in Milwaukee and lost in the third. I’m just gonna have to go out there and play my game. Whoever’s the better player on that day is gonna take it home.” – (Ford)
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The Road Ahead
As Ford heads into the final, he brings confidence from his remarkable semifinal win. A victory over the top-seeded Staksrud would mark a turning point in his young career and establish him as a rising star in the PPA Tour. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown to see if Ford can complete his journey from underdog to champion.
News in Brief: Zane Ford Battles Back to Earn First PPA Championship
Zane Ford secured a thrilling 11-7, 9-11, 12-10 semifinal victory over No. 2 seed Michael Loyd at the Humana Championship, earning his first PPA Championship Sunday appearance.
The 20-year-old overcame a 7-1 deficit in the deciding game with a stunning rally, crediting his doubles partner and coach, Anouar Braham, for strategic guidance. Ford now faces top-seeded Federico Staksrud in a rematch of their close Milwaukee encounter. A win would solidify Ford’s status as a rising star on the PPA Tour.
ALSO READ: Zane Ford’s Path to Glory: Advancing to Quarterfinals in Thrilling Match at Daytona Beach Open
