
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.
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

Why is Anna Leigh Waters so dominant? Zane Navratil explains
There are countless factors that separate her from the rest of the field.
2 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Which state is America’s most pickleball-obsessed?
The answer just might surprise you.
2 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Goldin on first win since stroke: ‘big moment for me’
The 31-year-old took a moment to celebrate his men's singles victory at the PPA Tour Asia Shenzhen Open on social media.
3 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff
Raquel Joseph bringing ‘an operator’s mindset’ to MLP team ownership with New Jersey
The accomplished portfolio entrepreneur seeks to help the 5s build a brand that's bigger than any one season or any one title.
4 days ago
-Will Daughton