In a grueling match that lasted nearly two hours, Lacy Schneemann/Tyson McGuffin outdueled top seeds Jessie Irvine/Gabe Tardio 8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 to claim the mixed doubles title at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open.

The No. 2 seeds looked to be in grave danger—just two points away from defeat—when they trailed 6-9 in Game 3 after dropping the first two games, but a five-point run helped them get on the board and extend the match.

Overcoming that deficit gave them a newfound confidence that helped them take Games 4 and 5 to eventually complete the comeback in front of a highly energized Australian crowd.

Schneemann’s play on the right side proved to be the X-factor in the encounter. She had a tough assignment being directly across from Tardio—and there were some challenges early on—but she expertly countered his speedups down the stretch, thanks to her anticipation in sliding right to hit her backhand counter out in front of her body.

She also excelled in her court positioning. When McGuffin would attempt to erne or run around his backhand to hit a forehand dink, Schneemann stepped over to cover the middle, a move that helped the pair extend rallies in crucial moments.

This result gives Schneemann her first career PPA title in what is a way-too-early candidate for match of the year.

“I’ve had quite a few silvers on the PPA Tour (seven, to be exact), so to get my first gold in a thriller—a five setter—alongside Tyson, I’m feeling pretty special right now,” she said.

She’ll look to go two for two when she and Vivian Glozman take on Allyce Jones/Tyra Black for the women’s doubles title later in the day.

Not to be outdone, McGuffin also captured his first PPA gold medal since the 2023 Tournament of Champions, where he earned a Triple Crown.

Coincidentally, he’s also in the running for a Triple Crown in Australia. He and Tardio will now go from opponents to partners in men’s doubles, where they’ll face CJ Klinger/Quang Duong.

In the bronze medal match, Allyce Jones/Jay Devilliers defeated Vivian Glozman/Quang Duong by an 11-2, 11-6 score line.