Paige Pierce is the defending FPO champion at the Portland Open. Photo: DGPT
Portland has a flair for the dramatic.
From an infamous playoff for a PDGA World Championship to thrilling finishes year-in and year-out, the Pacific Northwest has a rich history of delivering high level disc golf and, as the 2022 Elite Series hits the midway point, it's all set up for another strong weekend in Portland.
Lizotte, whose son Emmett just turned 100 days old this week, completed a dramatic return to form with his first Elite Series win since the 2018 Memorial Championships.
In doing so, the 29-year-old Lizotte became just the second man to win an Elite Series event as a father, following Nate Sexton’s win at the 2018 Ledgestone Insurance Open.
Paige Pierce celebrates after defending her title at the 2022 OTB Open. Photo: Kevin Huver/DGPT
Defying the Odds
Since she began competing at Elite Series and Pro Major events in 2010, no player has ever come back to beat Paige Pierce when she held a lead of five or more heading into the final 18.
Entering Sunday’s final, Pierce had nearly doubled that previously insurmountable lead – carrying a nine-throw cushion over second place Natalie Ryan.
You would be forgiven for thinking the outcome was settled.
Only two people gave Ryan much of a chance: Paige Pierce, who had said that she was going to play like she was behind and gunning for the win, and Natalie Ryan.
