Gabe Tardio and Ben Johns with the men's doubles trophy at the Zimmer Biomet Cape Coral Open.
Gabe Tardio and Ben Johns with the men's doubles trophy at the Zimmer Biomet Cape Coral Open. PPA Tour

Johns, Tardio outclass Johnson, Klinger as Tardio secures 20th career PPA Tour title

Ben Johns/Gabe Tardio kicked off Carvana Championship Sunday action in the Sunshine State with an 11-9, 11-3, 11-7 victory over No. 4 seeds JW Johnson/CJ Klinger.

Johnson/Klinger came into the contest with plenty of momentum on the heels of an 11-2, 11-3 thrashing of Hayden Patriquin/Christian Alshon in the semifinals, but Johns/Tardio were able to take a tight opening game and remain in control from there.

 

This result gives Tardio his 20th career title on the PPA Tour, a milestone that ties him with Riley Newman and Matt Wright for 5th most all-time

“It means a lot. I’ve been playing a little over five years, and I never thought that I would be in this position," the 20-year-old superstar said of the achievement. “I’m grateful for the PPA to give me this opportunity, to all my sponsors, to my family, and to the fans.”

This title also brings the first full season of the Johns/Tardio partnership to a close. Since their first tournament together at the 2025 Mesa Cup, they have earned 11 titles and 13 total medals en route to a 66-4 record.

They will be looking to build on an almost unbelievable opening campaign in 2026 and beyond.

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