The pairings of Jessie Irvine/Gabe Tardio and Lacy Schneemann/Tyson McGuffin will square off for the mixed doubles title at the Proton Australia Pickleball Open.

The top two seeds put on a string of impressive performances on Saturday at the Melbourne Convention Center, dropping just one game across their eight combined matches on their respective journeys to the final.

Irvine/Tardio overcame a tough challenge against Allyce Jones/Jay Devilliers in the semifinals, coming away with a 13-11, 11-8 victory in a highly entertaining encounter.

Since they began playing together in mid-2024, Irvine/Tardio have established themselves as one of the top mixed doubles teams in pickleball. They captured their first title in Salt Lake City and took silver in Milwaukee before making another run to the finals this week.

Irvine likes the energy that she and Tardio bring to the court.

“I think every time we step on the court, we have a good time,” she said. “There’s a little bit of back and forth, but I think there’s a good balance. I’m very serious, and he’s very relaxed and calm.”

Now into the final of all three events in Melbourne, Tardio will have a shot at his first career PPA Triple Crown on Sunday.

The 19-year-old spoke to the physical toll that making a run in multiple events takes on your body.

“I feel very sore,” he admitted. “I just admire Ben, Tyson, and all the people who do this regularly. I couldn’t imagine doing this for like two weeks in a row, but I’m super blessed to have great partners that have allowed me to be in this position.”

He and Irvine will face Lacy Schneemann/Tyson McGuffin for the gold.

After three straightforward victories on Saturday, Schneemann/McGuffin took on No. 6 seeds Vivian Glozman/Quang Duong in the semifinals.

With a 10-7 lead in the first game, the No. 2 seeds faltered as Glozman/Duong saved two game points and reeled off five in a row to steal the opening contest.

That didn’t deter Schneemann/McGuffin, however, as they rebounded in Games 2 and 3 and eventually emerged with a 10-12, 11-7, 11-4 triumph.

“We should have sealed the deal in Game 1, but things didn’t go our way. We got our act together, were a little bit more disciplined in Games 2 and 3, and just took our opportunities,” McGuffin said of the performance. “Lacy’s a legend—she played great—and we’re happy to be making it through.”

Both players will be busy on Sunday, with Schneemann also going for gold in women’s doubles and McGuffin with the chance to capture his 2^nd career PPA Triple Crown.

For Schneemann, some extra rest after last month’s PPA Masters is helping her find her best form.

“I got a little bit of a break before I came because I went to Sydney and travelled around, so I came in feeling fresh,” she mentioned. “I’ve loved playing with both my partners and am stoked to be playing tomorrow.”

You can find the full Championship Sunday order of play here. Action kicks off at 6pm CT on Pickleballtv.