Split pro doubles is one of the most unique formats in the PPA. Top pros under 50 including Ben Johns, Gabe Tardio, Tyler Loong, and Hayden Patriquin paired up pickleball players over 50 to compete in men’s split pro at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. 

Another notable player in the split bracket, was Dave Fleming, PPA commentator known as “The Voice of Pickleball” who partnered up with Blaine Hovenier. 

“Dave is the best. He’s a mentor of mine and really helped me get into pickleball at the start. So being able to share the court with him has been just a dream so far. He teaches me so much because his pickleball IQ is just through the roof,” said Hovenier. 

“He’s specifically helped me understand how to develop points at the kitchen and a lot more of the nuance of pickleball that you don’t get coming from tennis,” said Hovenier. 

For Fleming, playing with Hovenier is just as beneficial. 

“It’s a thrill to play with Blaine. I just let the big dog hunt,” said Fleming after their first win in the round of 16. Hovenier covered more of the court – as is the strategy with split. 

However, Hovenier and Fleming’s run was put to a stop by Derk Pardoe and Tyler Loong in two with a final score of 11-8, 11-7. 

Then, Loong and Pardoe were defeated by Gabe Tardio and Brian Levine who faced off against the No. 1 seeds, Ben Johns and Tom Dundon in the finals. 

“Well, I just kind of play like every ball is mine. And if I can get to it, I’m going to take it,” said Johns. 

But in the end, Tardio and Levine took home the gold in three with a final score of 10-12, 11-4, 11-4. 

“It was honestly just an adjustment to the style of split,” said Levine after their win. 

“Split pro is definitely something that’s unconventional because the younger person can cover a lot of court. And I’m unfamiliar with playing the right side. Gabe doesn’t look like a strong guy but he can carry you on his back pretty easily,” he said.  

Split has one of the most unique strategies in pro pickleball.

“You’re playing around the strategy of the top player. You know, if they’re poaching too much, you have to cut them back. The strategy is really interesting because it’s not even like mixed — it’s like super mixed doubles. I can set myself up for powerful shots or an ernie because I don’t have to cover as much court. It’s a super unique format and it’s a lot of fun to play with the pros,” continued Levine.

“Especially fun to beat Ben Johns because he actually beat me earlier this year in singles playing lefty so now, I’ve got a win on him,” said Levine with a laugh. 

Tardio also weighed in on this victory. 

“I’ve known Brian for a long time and we’ve played together before this tournament. Split is a fun format and I get to take up a little more court and I’m happy to win the gold with Brian,” concluded Tardio.