Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong celebrate a point at the Selkirk Kansas City Open.
The Utah Black Diamonds teammates are through to the quarterfinals. PPA Tour

Garnett, Loong use late Game 3 rally to reach quarters

OVERLAND PARK, KS - Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong are into the men’s doubles quarterfinals after a thrilling 5-11, 11-0, 12-10 victory over No. 9 seeds Jay Devilliers and Pat Smith.

The No. 8 seeds—who play together for the Utah Black Diamonds in Major League Pickleball—found themselves on the verge of defeat with Devilliers and Smith leading 10-5 in the deciding game.

But they would not be denied, relying on athletic overheads from Loong and clutch attacks courtesy of the Garnett backhand to save three match points and steal the win.

The pair will face either No. 1 seeds JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier or No. 13 seeds AJ Koller and Brandon French in the quarterfinals.