The Feudling on the Court: Inside the Heated Competition of Major League Pickleball
There's a new battle brewing in the world of professional pickleball. The normally genteel sport is seeing some rivalries heat up, with players taking potshots at each other off the court. In his popular YouTube Podcast "The James Ignatowich Show", the 27-year-old Ignatowich gave a revealing account regarding the feuds and matchups fans can expect at this weekend's Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Atlanta. Here are some highlights: 1:36 - Round 2 of being the right side specialist Ignatowich has recently focused on playing the right side, teaming up with dominant left-side player Tyson McGuffin. The duo has achieved great success so far, with Ignatowich crediting McGuffin's strength on the left for enabling him to excel on the right. This weekend, he'll try continuing as a right-side specialist, now paired with Jay Devilliers. 5:53 - DC Pickleball Team preview Ignatowich sees DC as having one of the most well-rounded teams, with strength across all events. Christian Alshon and Riley Newman form a potent men's doubles team, though their playing styles may require some strategic lineup decisions. DC's women's doubles and mixed teams are also seen as top competitors. 10:06 - Chicago Slice preview Ben Johns teams up with 3 less heralded players, leading to questions about their lineup. Ignatowich sees potential weaknesses in mixed doubles with Eric Lange, and when facing top singles players. But with the sport's #1 player Ben Johns anchoring the roster, Chicago can never be counted out. 15:18 - Utah Black Diamonds preview Ignatowich calls this squad "the hardest group of all time", loaded with talent. Anna Leigh Waters and Irina Tereschenko form half of the best women's doubles team. AJ Koller and Thomas Wilson make for an imposing men's doubles pairing. Utah is solid across the board and has high expectations this weekend. 18:25 - Is it an advantage when a team has players play the same side all tourney long? Ignatowich weighs in on the advantage of keeping players on their usual side across all events. Drawing on personal experience, he feels players do benefit from staying in their routine roles. Quick event turnarounds magnify this edge for teams with consistent left/right configurations. 20:56 - Tyson McGuffin and Tyler Loong feud A heated war of words has erupted between two MLP stars. Ignatowich suggests McGuffin is unhappy with provocative comments made by Loong's podcast sidekick Jimmy Miller. While stopping short of direct criticism, Ignatowich notes Loong's history of "poking" at rivals and implies Miller has crossed some lines. Off-court drama is bringing spice to the league and its rising popularity. In summary, Ignatowich's candid preview revealed both the stars and potential cracks within various MLP teams. Rivalries are simmering, gamesmanship is emerging, and the competition for pickleball supremacy is fierce. This weekend's action is sure to be a must-watch for any fan. With the sport reaching new levels of professionalization, players must balance showmanship and bitter rivalries alongside Pickleball's traditionally collegial nature.
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