ROCKWALL, TX - For the first time this year, Federico Staksrud will not compete for a men’s singles title.

He had made it to Championship Sunday for singles in ten consecutive tournaments to start off 2024, but the impressive streak ended late Thursday night when he fell to Chris Haworth in the semifinals.

It’s been quite the day for Haworth, who picked up a string of impressive victories en route to the semifinals.

The No. 22 seed continued his strong showing against Staksrud, using his combination of power and precision to sprint to an 11-6, 11-2 triumph.

“I just kind of went for my shots, hit some lines, and got lucky on a few net cords,” Haworth said of the effort. “But I think to beat the best players in the world, you have to get a little lucky, so I’ll take it.”

With the win, Haworth earns a spot in his first Championship Sunday on the PPA Tour.

He’ll face top-seeded Ben Johns, who eased past Dylan Frazier to make the final.

Haworth won the most recent meeting between the two at the 2023 National Championships, but he wants to focus on being present in the moment regardless of what happens in the final.

“I’m just excited to be in this position and am just gonna try and have fun and enjoy the moment,” he said.