ROCKWALL, TX – The CIBC Texas Open Powered by TIXR is really the tournament for new partnerships. One of the most exciting is Anna Bright and Tyson McGuffin who were seeded in the third slot, which quickly proved to be an accurate placement for them as they continued to dominate on the mixed doubles court. 

Bright and McGuffin took out the ten seeded Lea Jansen and Hayden Patriquin in a 13-11, 11-4 final score. 

There was a lot of playful chirping during this match, particularly between McGuffin and Patriquin. Which stems from an interview last year in which Patriquin said, “I don’t lose to old guys,” in reference to McGuffin. 

“I actually started that by saying I don’t lose to kids,” said McGuffin, “but then the very next MLP event Hayden kicked my butt.” 

McGuffin also pointed out a fun fact, “I actually taught the first pickleball camp here in 2019 and there were no pickleball courts. It was indoors and it was only tennis courts. And look at where we are now in 2024 and this place is totally different.” 

Usually, Bright plays mixed with James Ignatowich, who decided to take a break from mixed and play singles for this tournament. 

“I wasn’t planning on playing this tournament, I thought I would actually take a break for once but when the deadline to register got close I said, ‘I don’t take breaks,’” said Bright.

She then saw McGuffin was also registered, but didn’t have a mixed partner yet. Truly at the eleventh hour, this partnership formed. And so far, it’s a success. In the semi-finals, they will be up against Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. 

But Bright is a superstar on the mixed doubles court, and after her two-game quick victory alongside fellow powerhouse McGuffin, it’s safe to say they’re a strong duo on the pro mixed doubles bracket.