
Johns overcomes McGuffin in three games, sets finals clash with Staksrud
BRISTOL, TN - Ben Johns earned an 11-4, 4-11, 11-3 victory over Tyson McGuffin to earn a Championship Sunday berth in the Volunteer State.
The two battle-tested players split the first two games by the same score line, but Johns proved to be too much in the end as he cruised to an 11-3 triumph in Game 3.
ADVERTISEMENT
Johns and McGuffin—both titans of the game—have squared off dozens of times throughout their storied careers.
As such, anticipation played a sizeable role in Thursday’s contest.
“I think in that match there was good anticipation from both sides just because Tyson and I have played each other more than probably any other duo,” Johns shared. “A big part of that is pattern recognition and going on what you’ve seen previously.”
Johns will take on top-seeded Federico Staksrud in the final. Those two have faced off for gold four times so far this year, with Johns winning each one so far.
Related articles

Waters powers past Fahey for women’s singles title, 40th career PPA Triple Crown
Anna Leigh Waters would not let over four hours of court time stop her from claiming her record-extending 40th Triple Crown on the PPA Tour.
6 hours ago
-Will Daughton

Waters, Johns rally to outduel Bright, Patriquin in five games
The mixed doubles final in Palm Springs will go down as an instant classic.
7 hours ago
-Will Daughton

Haworth earns second straight men’s singles title as Sock suffers injury on match point
Chris Haworth is bringing his men’s singles success from 2025 into 2026.
9 hours ago
-Will Daughton

Waters, Bright take tense opening game, go on to sweep Kawamotos for women’s doubles crown
Winning a back-and-forth opening game proved to be crucial for the top seeds as they secured their 15th title as a partnership.
11 hours ago
-Will Daughton