Rio Newcombe hits a pickleball backhand.
Rio Newcombe competing at the Veolia LA Open presented by Deep Eddy Vodka. PPA Tour

Newcombe stuns Martinez Vich in three-game thriller

ST. GEORGE, UT - Rio Newcombe is into the Round of 16 at the Selkirk Red Rock Open after an 11-6, 5-11, 13-11 victory over No. 7 seed Jaume Martinez Vich.

The former collegiate golfer at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs pulled off an improbable comeback after trailing 5-10 in Game 3 to steal the victory.

“I feel like the work is actually now starting to pay off, which is awesome,” he shared.

‘The work’ Newcombe refers to is the time he spends practicing in his home state of Arizona alongside other rising pickleball pros, including Augie Ge, Caden Nemoff, and Jackson Ayotte.

“I train pretty much every day now,” he revealed. “I’ve gotta thank those guys for helping me out.”

The No. 36 seed will next face No. 12 seed Collin Shick with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.

Related articles

Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson celebrating a point for the New Jersey 5s at MLP Columbus.

MLP Columbus: Group standings after Day 2

Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson delivered two 11-0 score lines in women's doubles for the New Jersey 5s on Friday.

20 hours ago

-
Tina Pisnik and Dekel Bar competing for the Palm Beach Royals at MLP Columbus.

MLP Columbus: Group standings after Day 1

The Palm Beach Royals are tied for first place in Group B after winning their first match in franchise history on Thursday.

1 day ago

-
Jade Kawamoto and Ben Johns competing for the Los Angeles Mad Drops at MLP Dallas.

Mad Drops take down Sliders, finish first at MLP Dallas

With Monday's win, the Mad Drops earn 25 standings points and claim the top spot in the standings as the only team to go undefeated in the Lone Star State.

4 days ago

-
Alix Truong and Danni-Elle Townsend competing for the Columbus Sliders at MLP Dallas.

Super Monday matchups set for MLP Dallas

Despite losing their first match of the season, the Columbus Sliders still finished at the top of Group A in Texas. They will face the Los Angeles Mad Drops on Monday.

5 days ago

-