Tyson McGuffin hitting a serve at the Selkirk Kansas City Open.
Tyson McGuffin will have a shot at his first singles title of 2024 on Championship Sunday. PPA Tour

Garnett, McGuffin to battle for gold in Kansas City

OVERLAND PARK, KS - Connor Garnett and Tyson McGuffin emerged victorious from their semifinal bouts Thursday evening to book their spots in the men’s singles final.

Garnett took down No. 9 seed Chris Haworth 11-8, 9-11, 11-7 in the first semifinal.

Known for being one of the quickest players on tour, Garnett was able to stand his ground at the kitchen line and return Haworth’s drives from the baseline, which are some of the best—and most powerful—in the game.

He jumped out to 6-1 advantage in Game 3 and was able to hold on to make his third Championship Sunday appearance of 2024.

 

In the second semifinal and Thursday’s nightcap, Tyson McGuffin outlasted top-seeded Federico Staksrud 11-8, 2-11, 11-8 to mark his first win against the Argentinian in four tries this year.

The 35-year-old earned a number of return errors from his opponent thanks to an impressive combination of pace and depth on his serves.

That serving, paired with a number of his trademark ‘Ferrari Forehands’, helped McGuffin make his first singles final of the season.

 

Both players will be back in action on Friday in mixed doubles, with Garnett playing alongside his Major League Pickleball teammate Alix Truong and McGuffin joining forces with Vivian Glozman.