Quang Duong and Christian Alshon Win PPA Bristol Final: In a stunning display of power and precision, Quang Duong and Christian Alshon outplayed the formidable Ben and Collin Johns, claiming the men’s doubles title with a straight-set victory: 11-7, 11-7, 12-10. The win was particularly impressive given that it was their first tournament together, and they were up against the No. 2 seeds.
A Winning Strategy
As the No. 8 seeds, Duong and Alshon, who share the court for the Texas Ranchers in Major League Pickleball, brought the aggressive game style that had carried them to the final. They remained committed to the approach that had paid dividends throughout the tournament.
The six-foot-two Alshon, with his impressive wingspan, was instrumental in the win, using his length to finish points set up by Duong’s low, heavy drives. This relentless pressure on the Johns brothers, who typically thrive in slower-paced, strategic battles, forced them out of their comfort zone.
Even during the long, tactical dink rallies at the kitchen line, Duong and Alshon maintained their dominance. Duong’s two-handed backhand roll dink proved to be a key weapon, frequently pulling Ben Johns out wide on the left side. This opened the door for Alshon to unleash his forehand through the middle, disrupting the Johns brothers’ rhythm.
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A Battle to the End
Despite the clinical execution of their game plan, the Johns brothers—veterans known for their resilience—still managed to create opportunities to shift the momentum. In the third game, they held a game point at 10-7, ready to extend the match. But Duong and Alshon, unfazed, responded with five consecutive points on serve to close out the victory.
For Duong, Sunday’s win was more than just a title; it marked his first doubles medal on the PPA Tour, and he made sure it was a gold. Reflecting on their performance, Duong said,
“I thought we played extremely well. Christian and I, we played our game and held our ground. It’s an absolutely amazing experience.”
Building a Dynamic Partnership
This victory represents Alshon’s second career title, following his gold at the Indoor USA Championships in March alongside Thomas Wilson. The 24-year-old credits the duo’s chemistry as a key factor in their success.
“Quang and I have such an awesome dynamic in that we can both be alphas on our respective sides. He’s an animal on the left, and I’m an animal on the right. We gel very well together in that way.” – (Alshon)
But the day wasn’t over for Alshon. He would return to the court later for the mixed doubles final, teaming up with Anna Bright to face Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, aiming to cap off the day with another title.
News in Brief: Quang Duong and Christian Alshon Win PPA Bristol Final
Quang Duong and Christian Alshon secured the men’s doubles title at the PPA Bristol Open in their first tournament together, defeating No. 2 seeds Ben and Collin Johns in straight sets (11-7, 11-7, 12-10). The No. 8 seeds, who also play together for the Texas Ranchers in Major League Pickleball, employed an aggressive game plan, with Alshon’s reach and Duong’s precise dinks causing problems for the Johns brothers.
Despite trailing in the third game, Duong and Alshon rallied to win five consecutive points, clinching the victory. This marks Duong’s first PPA Tour doubles gold and Alshon’s second career title.
Also Read: Quang Duong and Christian Alshon Shine in PPA Semifinals, Will Play 1st Final Together
