Staksrud shuts down Evans' magical singles effort in California
SAN CLEMENTE, CA - If you weren't familiar with 49th-seeded Tom Evans' name before the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by FitVine Wines, you definitely are now.
The 23-year-old Australian enjoyed quite a singles run at Life Time Rancho San Clemente with outstanding play through qualifications, and main draw victories over Rafa Hewett and Tyler Loong, before running into top-seeded Federico Staksrud on Thursday in the Round of 16.
That's where Evans' momentum was ultimately stalled as Staksrud posted an 11-1, 11-8 win to advance to the quarterfinals.
"He's a great player. It's awesome to see players from Australia coming into the U.S. to play tournaments. That means the sport is growing. It's awesome to have time here," shared Staksrud. "The more reps that he gets in the U.S., the better. There's a great level of play here, and I'm really thankful that he's growing the sport somewhere else, too."
Staksrud will play No. 10 Collin Shick in the quarterfinals.
Shick defeated No. 7 Pablo Tellez to advance.
Related articles
Pools announced for CIBC PPA Tour Finals
The best of the best will battle for the year-end title.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton
Winning MLP Championship was career highlight for Rohrabacher
Rachel Rohrabacher relished the opportunity to compete for the Orlando Squeeze.
2 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Partnerships announced for CIBC PPA Tour Finals
The field is set for San Clemente.
4 days ago
-Will Daughton
A final look at the PPA Veolia Milwaukee Open
Let’s review the highlights from a great week of pickleball.
5 days ago
-Jim Kloss