Ben Johns' 170-game Winning Streak Comes to an End

Ben Johns, the number one ranked men's Pickleball player in the world, has dominated the sport the last couple of years.  Even last weekend at the Professional Pickleball Association's Rocky Mountain Championships tournament in Denver Colorado he grabbed the gold medal in men's singles and doubles and mixed doubles.  But yesterday his streak of winning 170 straight singles matches came to an end at the prestigious Tournament of Champions (TOC) in Brigham City, Utah. 

JW Johnson beat Ben in the winners bracket but Ben did put up a fight as he lost in three sets, 11-9, 9-11, 11-3.  This sent Ben to the loser's bracket and I think everyone was still expecting him to be competing for the gold.  However, the day was not kind to Ben as he lost to Spencer Smith in a nail bitter 16-14.

Still a streak of winning 170 straight matches in men's Pickleball singles is a record which may never be broken.  But I think Pickleball fans were surprised to see two losses from Ben which put him out of contention for the gold and did not allow him to start a new streak.  Perhaps it was playing indoors as the matches yesterday were moved inside due to rainy weather.  Or it could be that Ben, despite just being 22, was worn down due to the tournament grind where it seems like there is a professional or major event every week. 

JW may now be starting a streak of his own as he did come out on the top of the medal stand.  Spencer, who beat Ben in the losers bracket, went onto take the bronze while Tyson McGuffin finished with silver losing in the finals to JW 11-0, 9-11. 11-3.

The men's senior open singles matches were also played yesterday.  Paul Olin came out on top as he defeated Mattias Johansson in three sets, 11-13, 11-9, 11-7.  Scott Moore finished third as he was sent to the losers bracket after the third round despite having a bye the first round.  The women's singles event will be held August 21.