Rising Star Zane Ford Stuns No. 2 Seed Ben Johns in Texas Showdown
In a jaw-dropping upset at the PPA CIBC Texas Open, 17th-seeded Zane Ford toppled pickleball powerhouse Ben Johns in three games: 11-8, 7-11, 11-3. Ford, drafted by the NY Hustlers, released a relentless barrage of aggressive shots that left the No. 2 seed scrambling. Despite Johns mounting a brief comeback in the second game, Ford's high-tempo gameplay and masterful angles proved too much. The quarterfinals await, and Ford's not done shocking the pickleball world yet.
In a stunning display of fearless pickleball, 20-year-old Zane Ford toppled No. 2 seed Ben Johns at the PPA CIBC Texas Open.
The 17th-seeded Ford, drafted by the NY Hustlers, outplayed his highly-favored opponent with scores of 11-8, 7-11, 11-3 in the Round of 16 matchup that left spectators speechless.
Ford's high-tempo gameplay and relentless barrage of hard shots proved too much for Johns to handle. The youngster's masterful use of angles and topspin rolls kept the second seed off balance throughout the contest. His thicker paddle core provided the perfect blend of power and control for his aggressive style.
Ford unleashed an aggressive barrage of shots, combining speed and spin to keep Johns scrambling and struggling to find his rhythm.
And while Johns is known for his cool demeanor under pressure, this time was different. Ford's on-court antics clearly got under his skin.
The match started with Ford claiming the initial game 11-8, setting the tone for what would become a memorable upset.
Though Johns managed to claw back in the second game with an 11-7 win, it was the third game where Ford truly showcased his dominance. The youngster's mental resilience shone through as he focused on enjoying the game rather than doubting himself. The 20-year-old absolutely demolished Johns 11-3 in the decisive frame.
This wasn't just a fluke victory for Ford. He had already proven his mettle by defeating Oliver Frank and Yates Johnson earlier in the tournament. His victory against Johnson was particularly impressive with scores of 11-6, 7-11, 11-7.
Meanwhile, Johns, who had previously dispatched Kenta Miyoshi, seemed to struggle with his rhythm from the start of the day.
Ford's approach to the game was surprisingly simple: have fun and don't overthink it. This mentality clearly worked wonders against Johns, who appeared increasingly frustrated as the match progressed.
The victory launched Ford into the quarterfinals, where he was set to face Christian Alshon.
This upset sends shockwaves through the pickleball community and could greatly impact the rankings.
For Ford, it's a career-defining moment that announces his arrival as a serious contender. For Johns, it's back to the drawing board.
Sometimes the mighty do fall – and when they do, it's usually to someone who didn't get the memo about respecting the hierarchy.
