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
Breaking down the rules that debuted at the PPA Masters
The new year brings with it some new rules and regulations on the PPA Tour.
15 hours ago
-Will Daughton
PPA Tour referee Mark Thomas departed Masters early to battle wildfires in LA
Thomas is a veteran firefighter in San Jose with 25 years on the job.
17 hours ago
-Matt Cudzinowski
A final look at the Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited
Many spectators said it had the highest level of play ever seen at a pickleball tournament.
1 days ago
-Jim Kloss
Best dressed at the Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited
The all-white dress code didn't stop the pros from looking fabulous.
1 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy