Jack Munro and Len Yang Triumph in Men’s Doubles at the US Open Pickleball Championships
Jack Munro and Len Yang Claim Gold in Men’s Doubles at US Open Pickleball Championships
Naples, FL – May 3, 2023 – In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Jack Munro and Len Yang emerged victorious in the Men’s Doubles final at the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, sweeping their opponents in a match that captivated thousands of fans at East Naples Community Park.
The dynamic duo, both just 21 years old, faced off against seasoned competitors Ryler DeHeart and Richard Livornese. The first set was a nail-biter, with Munro and Yang edging out a close 14-12 victory. They quickly gained momentum in the second set, sealing the match with an 11-5 win.
“It was a tough match, but we stayed focused and played our game,” Munro said after the match. Yang, who only joined the pickleball circuit two years ago, expressed gratitude towards Munro for his support. “I owe a lot to Jack. He took a chance on me in this tournament, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Yang remarked.
Despite their loss, DeHeart and Livornese showcased resilience, rallying from a 9-3 deficit in the first set. “We tried to stay calm and focused,” Livornese said. “It was a great experience being here.”
Championship Saturday Highlights
The excitement didn’t stop with the Men’s Doubles. Championship Saturday featured five thrilling matches, showcasing the best talent in pickleball.
Women’s Pro Doubles:
Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, defended their title against Jillian Braverman and Megan Fudge. The mother-daughter duo dominated the court, winning 11-0 and 11-4 in a match that lasted just under 29 minutes. “We set the tone early, and it felt great to win together,” Anna Leigh said.
Mixed Pro Doubles:
In another highlight, Jack Munro teamed up with Megan Fudge to secure a second gold medal, defeating Riley Bohnery and Richard Livornese. “I’m just here for the ride,” Munro joked, praising Fudge’s exceptional play.
Women’s Pro Singles:
Megan Fudge continued her winning streak, defeating Bobbi Oshiro in a decisive match, 11-4, 11-7. “It felt like I was playing chess out there,” Fudge said, crediting her coach for helping her stay calm and focused.
Men’s Pro Singles:
Chris Hayworth claimed his first gold at the US Open, defeating Grayson Goldin in a commanding 11-3, 11-6 sweep. “I wanted to put on a show for the crowd,” Hayworth said, reflecting on his previous year’s performance.
As the ninth edition of the US Open Pickleball Championships concluded, the event once again proved to be a celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and community spirit, drawing pickleball enthusiasts from all over.
For more updates and highlights, follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin and stay connected with the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida on Instagram: @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone.
