Thomas Wilson and Christian Alshon competing in pickleball doubles.
Thomas Wilson and Christian Alshon competing at the Pickleball Central Indoor USA Champoionships. PPA Tour

Wilson, Alshon secure gold in men’s doubles

LAKEVILLE, MN - We knew going into the men’s doubles final that there would be at least one first-time gold medalist.

We just didn’t know whether it would be Christian Alshon or Connor Garnett.

After Alshon and partner Thomas Wilson’s 11-2, 10-12, 11-9, 11-2 victory over Garnett and partner Tyler Loong, it’s Alshon who has earned his first pro gold medal.

The No. 3 seeds got off to a strong start in Game 1 behind their drive-and-crash strategy that worked for them all day Saturday.

But Garnett and Loong dialed up their own aggression on their drives to take Game 2 and even held the lead for most of Game 3.

A key adjustment on the side of Wilson and Alshon to start dropping more thirds instead of driving proved to be crucial as they rallied to take Games 3 and 4 for the title.

“It was a little surprising. I think we lost the drive-and-crash battle fair and square,” Wilson explained. “Tyler and Connor’s drives were amazing, so we had to slow it down a bit in that final game.”

Wilson will have a chance for his second gold medal of the day in the mixed doubles final where he and Vivienne David will take on Rachel Rohrabacher and Federico Staksrud.

Related articles

Parris Todd and Rachel Rohrabacher claimed the women's doubles title in Sacramento.

Todd, Rohrabacher take women’s doubles gold as Staksrud surges past Ford for men’s singles crown

Parris Todd and Rachel Rohrabacher secured their first title as a partnership with a four-game victory on Sunday.

1 hour ago

-
Federico Staksrud is the only player still in contention for a Triple Crown in Northern California.

Order of play for Semifinal Saturday at PPA Sacramento

Ten matches on Saturday will determine who goes for gold in Sacramento.

1 day ago

-
Pablo Tellez and Jack Sock competing in men's doubles at the Fasenra Sacramento Open presented by Zimmer Biomet.

Sock, Tellez surge into semis with three-game victory over Oncins, Frazier

Pablo Tellez and Jack Sock advanced to their first semifinal as a partnership in the California capital.

1 day ago

-
Kate Fahey and Federico Staksrud competing in mixed doubles at the Fasenra Sacramento Open presented by Zimmer Biomet.

3 things to watch for on Friday at PPA Sacramento

Kate Fahey and Federico Staksrud will play Rachel Rohrabacher and Gabe Tardio in a match that has massive implications for who will qualify for the PPA Tour Finals.

2 days ago

-