Erik Lange and Max Manthou Won: The 2024 OWL Newport Beach Open ended with a remarkable display of skill and determination from the doubles team of Erik Lange and Max Manthou, who Electrifyingly secured their maiden professional title. Known affectionately as ‘Team Purple,’ Lange and Manthou presented their on-court chemistry and also highlighted their endurance throughout the tournament.
An Exhausting Path to Victory
Their journey to victory was far from easy, marked by hard-fought matches that tested their courage against top-tier competition. In a dramatic Round of 16 encounter, they narrowly escaped defeat against Ryler DeHeart and Eric Oncins, surviving a tense three-game battle that ended 11-8, 9-11, 15-13. Undeterred by the close call, Lange and Manthou proceeded to navigate past Brendon Long and Stefan Auvergne in another three-game thriller before securing a semifinal victory over Jack Munro and Andre Mick, where they scored 11-3, 10-12, 11-9.
“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)
Dominating the Finals
The finals saw Lange and Manthou facing off against the formidable duo of Patrick Kawka and Will Howells. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Lange and Manthou seized control early and maintained their composure to succeed in the championship in straight games, prevailing 11-6, 11-9. This victory not only marked their first professional gold medal together but also underlined their emergence as a force to be counted with in the competitive world of pickleball.
“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)
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Surprises and Upsets
The tournament also witnessed unexpected twists in the upper half of the draw, where top teams failed early, setting the stage for surprises and upsets. Qualifiers Tanner Tomassi and Kyle Koszuta made a notable impression by upsetting the #8 seeds and advancing to the semifinals, where they ultimately fell short but left a lasting impression on spectators and competitors alike.
Meanwhile, Patrick Kawka continued his impressive run in the tournament, securing a spot in the gold medal match for the second consecutive day, presenting his versatility and adaptability with different partners. His consistent performances underlined his status as a formidable contender on the APP circuit.
For Lange and Manthou, this victory represents a significant milestone in their careers, reflecting their dedication and teamwork both on and off the court. As they bask in the glow of their Newport Beach victory, the pickleball world eagerly awaits their next chapter, eager to see how they will build upon this success in future tournaments.
News in Brief: Erik Lange and Max Manthou Won
Erik Lange and Max Manthou secured their maiden professional title at the 2024 OWL Newport Beach Open, presenting endurance and chemistry on their path to victory. They survived exhausting matches, including a dramatic Round of 16 and a challenging semifinal, before dominating the finals against Patrick Kawka and Will Howells to secure the championship in straight games, 11-6, 11-9. Their victory marks a significant career milestone and also establishes them as rising stars in competitive pickleball. The tournament also saw surprises like qualifiers Tanner Tomassi and Kyle Koszuta’s impressive run, highlighting the depth and unpredictability of the competition.
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