Staksrud, Tardio dominate Ignatowich, Klinger for men’s doubles crown
Federico Staksrud/Gabe Tardio opened up Championship Sunday action with a comprehensive 11-5, 11-2, 11-3 victory over No. 7 seeds James Ignatowich/CJ Klinger.
The top seeds suffocated their opponents at the kitchen line with aggressive dinks from both sides that helped them cruise to their second title of the year together.
“I think our game styles match pretty well,” Tardio said of the tandem’s success. “Fed likes the left, and I like the right. We’re both really consistent and aggressive at the same time, so it’s a great combination.”
Staksrud also gave a shout-out to the 18-year-old Klinger, who made his first PPA Tour final this week.
“[CJ] is the one who actually introduced me to pro pickleball, so I owe him a lot,” he shared. “He’s a great guy, a great friend, and a great player.”
Both Staksrud and Tardio will be back in action on Sunday at the Baird Center. Staksrud will face Hunter Johnson for the men’s singles title, while Tardio will join forces with Jessie Irvine against Anna Bright/Dylan Frazier in the mixed doubles final.
In the bronze medal match, No. 4 seeds Pablo Tellez/Andrei Daescu defeated No. 11 seeds Julian Arnold/Blaine Hovenier by an 11-7, 11-5 score line.
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