Sunday, February 4, 2024

2024 PPA Desert Ridge Open: Men's Doubles Semifinal

 


Thrilling Pickleball Match Goes Down to the Wire

Top-seeded team narrowly avoids upset from underdogs in tense 3-game battle


In an edge-of-your-seat Saturday semifinal, the top-seeded team of brothers Ben Johns and Collin Johns faced a fierce challenge from the sixth seeds Julian Arnold and Christian Alshon. The Johns brothers ultimately prevailed, but not before enduring a grueling three-game battle that left spectators on the edge of their seats.


Game 1:

  • Arnold & Alshon come out firing, taking an early 4-1 lead with aggressive shots 
  • Highlights3:0414:10
  • The sixth seed goes on a 5 point run at 6-7 to shockingly take the game for  a 11-7 win


Game 2:

  • The 1 seed cruise to a 4-0 lead
  • Highlights: 18:1420:04, 23:33
  • Johns catch fire late, closing the game with 2 straight points to take game two 11-9


Game 3:

  • The Johns Brothers started out with a 4-1 lead
  • Highlights: 32:06 34:12 42:29 45:10 46:36
  • Johns escape with a dramatic 12-10 win 


On Court Interview


In the end, the battle-tested Johns team narrowly avoided a monumental upset bid from the rising Arnold/Alshon duo. Both teams left everything on the court in a instant classic match that showcased the soaring popularity of pickleball. Afterward, the Johns credited their resilience in adverse moments for pulling out the tense victory.

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