New Champs Crowned In Kansas City

After a few major upsets and some close encounters, here's where things stand after an iconic week of pickleball in Kansas City.

Unexpected Outcomes & Close Calls In KC

The PPA Selkirk Kansas City Open concluded in a spectacle of intensity and unexpected outcomes yesterday after the week's bracket play left some top-ranked players out of podium contention. Here's how Championship Sunday played out.

| Another Pickle In The Finals

The men's singles final was a showdown between old rivals: Tyson McGuffin, the third highest all-time gold medalist, battled it out with Connor Garnett, the No. 3 ranked player on the PPA tour. McGuffin's last gold medal victory was over Garnett nearly a year ago, and it seems Garnett did not forget. Each of the three games in this finals match ended in a very unbalanced score as Garnett pickled McGuffin in the first game and sealed the deal in the third with an 11-2 victory.

| World Rankings Questions

The men's doubles championship game was the subject of many spotlights this past weekend as fans tuned in to see Dylan Frazier defend his title as the no. 1 men's doubles player in the world. Frazier and his partner JW Johnson flew to the finals in classic fashion, but their 0-3 loss to Gabe Tardio and Federico Staksrud was uncharacteristic. Frazier's closest competition for the no. 1 spot was Ben Johns, and though Frazier took second in KC while Johns claimed fourth, Ben Johns was reinstated as the top men's doubles player in the world, making fans scratch their heads.

| Near Upset In 5-Gamer Finals

Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters have proven unstoppable in mixed doubles this season, but they were pushed to the brink once again by JW and Jorja Johnson in a thrilling five-game match. Johns and Waters swept the first and final games, but the Johnson siblings gave them a run with a 12-10 and 11-6 win in the second and fourth games. This is the second time this season the Johnson siblings have come close to the upset.

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The Pickleball Hot Drop

⏰ Watch time: 7m 16s

Pro pickleball players have increasingly been implementing a hybrid third shot that combines the characteristics of the classic drop and drive. Now, the "hot drop" is gaining popularity as a tool to force pop-ups from opponents and quickly gain the advantage after a serve. If your drop shot is typically at 30% pace and your drive is at 90%, the hot drop should split the difference at 60%. Additionally, the hot drop should incorporate some of the topspin found in a drop shot and should land at your opponent's feet as they rush to the kitchen line.

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Crucial Shots As A Right-Side Player

⏰ Watch time: 12m 40s

As right-hand dominant right-side players, the secret to success is in your shot choice. Right-side players often get pushed out of the court by cross-court dinks or targeted at their inside foot. If you find yourself struggling to neutralize your opponents, these are the three shots you need to learn.

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