Results of OWL APP Newport Beach Open: The 2024 OWL APP Newport Beach Open drew nearly 1,800 players and enthusiastic spectators to The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach over five action-packed days. Hosted by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), the event showcased top-tier competition and offered an opportunity to secure a Golden Ticket to the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships.
The tournament, billed as the world’s first and finest pickleball tour, featured thrilling matches that attracted both a capacity crowd and a national television audience on ESPN2. Seven champions emerged, each claiming their share of a $150,000 prize pool. Megan Fudge emerged as a standout, earning two gold medals and a silver across multiple events, underscoring her dominance on the APP Tour.
Men’s Pro Doubles: Erik Lange and Max Manthou Wins
The championship action kicked off with men’s pro doubles, where Erik Lange and Max Manthou clinched their first APP Tour gold medals of the season. Facing tough competition under Saturday evening lights, they rallied from behind to secure a hard-fought victory, showcasing months of dedicated training and strategic gameplay.
In game one, Lange and Manthou took a solid lead with an 11-6 victory. However, Howells and Kawka dominated early in game two, racing to a commanding 7-0 advantage. Following a strategic timeout, the momentum dramatically swung in favor of Lange and Manthou, who staged an impressive comeback, clinching an 11-9 win. This victory not only secured their first APP Tour gold medals of 2024 but also showcased their resilience under pressure.
“We’ve been training for six months together, twice a week, Max has a positive energy, he’s a crowd favorite, and it’s just an honor to share the court with him. Thank you to the APP and OWL Sport for supporting this event and allowing us to live out our athletic dreams.” Lange mentioned.
Men’s doubles bronze Won by Andre Mick and Jack Munro.
Women’s Pro Doubles: Emily Cederquist and Yana Newell’s Victory
In a thrilling women’s pro doubles final, Emily Cederquist and Yana Newell delivered a commanding performance against Newport Beach locals Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge. Cederquist’s strategic skill and Newell’s steady play led them to victory, marking a significant achievement on the 2024 APP Tour.
Cederquist and Newell displayed formidable energy, securing an 11-5 victory. They maintained their momentum into game two, decisively winning 11-2, which marked Cederquist’s first APP Tour gold of 2024. Their consistent performance showed their dominance on the court throughout the final.
“We stuck with the gameplan, Because we’ve both played with them and against them, we knew they both love their backhand. We attacked the middle and it worked the whole match. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Said Cederquist.
Susannah Barr and Mari Humberg won women’s doubles bronze.
Men’s Pro Singles: Chris Haworth Defends His Title
On Championship Sunday, Chris Haworth demonstrated his championship pedigree in men’s pro singles, claiming his fourth gold of the season. Haworth’s consistency and composure under pressure reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the sport.
Haworth maintained his momentum by securing victories of 15-7 and 15-10, thus earning his fourth APP Tour men’s singles gold of 2024.
“The more matches I play, the more confident I get and the better I feel, The longer the year goes on, the better I’ll play. I was really proud of myself for staying composed and not letting my emotions get too high or too low, and sticking through the whole match.” Haworth mentioned.
Max Manthou won men’s singles bronze in Newport Beach.
Mixed Pro Doubles: Megan Fudge and Jack Munro’s Dynamic Duo
Megan Fudge and Jack Munro continued their winning streak in mixed pro doubles, showcasing a seamless partnership and tactical acumen. The duo clinched the title with wins of 11-5 and 11-6. Their victory highlighted a weekend of stellar performances and enthusiastic crowd support.
“It’s just trust. I trust Megan, and I knew that if we went back to the baseline and start hitting the smartest shots, then eventually we were going to come through on top.” Said Munro
“Jack makes me feel so comfortable out there, and I know he’s got all the game,” Fudge mentioned. “I knew I had to get my resets, hold my own and let it fly. This is the beginning of our partnership, so we’re going to keep building on it and having fun out there. I want to shout out the whole crowd – you guys are amazing and brought the energy. We were feeling it out here.”
Jill Braverman and Eric Oncins won mixed doubles bronze.
Women’s Pro Singles: Megan Fudge’s Victory
The tournament culminated in an electrifying women’s pro singles final, where Megan Fudge emerged victorious after a grueling battle against Kate Fahey. Fudge’s determination and resilience were on full display as she secured her second gold medal of the tournament.
In a thrilling women’s singles final, Megan Fudge and Kate Fahey engaged in a memorable battle at the OWL APP Newport Beach Open. Game one was a tense affair, with Fudge narrowly prevailing 22-20 after a back-and-forth exchange. Fahey, a former University of Michigan tennis standout, responded with a determined 15-12 victory in game two, setting the stage for a dramatic third game. The deciding set was fiercely contested, with both players facing match points, but it was Fudge who emerged victorious, clinching a hard-fought 19-17 win to claim her second gold medal of the tournament.
| Category | Gold Medalists | Silver Medalists | Bronze Medalists |
| Men’s Pro Doubles | Erik Lange and Max Manthou | Will Howells and Patrick Kawka | Andre Mick and Jack Munro |
| Women’s Pro Doubles | Emily Cederquist and Yana Newell | Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge | Susannah Barr and Mari Humberg |
| Men’s Pro Singles | Chris Haworth | John Cangelosi | Max Manthou |
| Mixed Pro Doubles | Megan Fudge and Jack Munro | Bobbi Oshiro and Will Howells | Jill Braverman and Eric Oncins |
| Women’s Pro Singles | Megan Fudge | Kate Fahey | Emily Cederquist |
AARP Champions and Masters Pro Action
In the AARP Champions (50+) and Masters divisions (60+, seasoned players like Lee Whitwell and Marcello Jardim added to the excitement with their own impressive performances, demonstrating that pickleball is a sport for all ages.
The success of the OWL APP Newport Beach Open sets the stage for future APP Tour events, including the 2024 APP Chicago Open. Scheduled for late August in Highland Park, Illinois, this event promises more thrilling pickleball action and continued growth of the sport.
The OWL APP Newport Beach Open not only celebrated elite athleticism but also highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of pickleball. With memorable matches and standout performances, the event underscored why pickleball continues to capture the imagination of players and fans alike.
News in Brief: Results of OWL APP Newport Beach Open
The 2024 OWL APP Newport Beach Open attracted nearly 1,800 players and enthusiastic spectators to The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach over five days. Hosted by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), the tournament showcased top-tier competition and offered Golden Tickets to the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships. Megan Fudge emerged as a standout, securing two gold medals and a silver across various events. Highlights included Erik Lange and Max Manthou’s victory in men’s pro doubles and Emily Cederquist and Yana Newell’s dominance in women’s pro doubles.
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