World No. 1 pickleball player Ben Johns had a tense moment during the Newport Beach Open in California when an errant golf ball from a nearby course nearly struck him mid-match.
The unusual incident occurred during the men’s doubles semi-final, where Johns was partnering with Gabriel Tardio against the pair of Andrei Daescu and Federico Staksrud.
During the rally, a stray golf ball flew toward the pickleball court, briefly startling players and spectators. Johns managed to quickly dodge the ball, avoiding what could have been a dangerous incident. After the brief interruption, play resumed without further issues.
Despite the unexpected scare, Johns and Tardio remained focused and went on to win the semi-final match 11-6, 11-9 to secure their place in the final.
The pair later carried their strong form into the championship match, where they faced second seeds Hayden Patriquin and Christian Alshon.
Johns and Tardio started the final with authority, taking the first two games 11-6 and 11-2 through aggressive play at the net and consistent shot placement. Patriquin and Alshon responded strongly in the third game, claiming it 11-3 to keep the contest alive.
However, the top-seeded duo regained control in the fourth game. Johns and Tardio steadied their play in key rallies and eventually closed out the match 11-8 to seal the title.
The victory marked the pair’s 13th title together and extended their perfect record for the 2026 season on the PPA Tour.
Johns, who continues to dominate the doubles circuit, remains one of the most consistent performers in professional pickleball. His ability to stay composed even after the unexpected golf-ball scare highlighted his focus during high-pressure moments.
With another title added to his growing list of achievements, Johns is set to return to action at the upcoming PPA Tour event in Texas later this week, where he will once again be among the favourites in the doubles category.
Stay connected with all the latest news on Pickleball, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tips, and inspiration you won’t find anywhere else. Your ultimate destination for all things pickleball – where the community comes together for news, views, and the sport that’s sweeping the globe. Follow us at @pickleballnow.in on Instagram and the website, and be part of the community!