Trailing 14-12 in the 5th game of the round of 16, against Elroy Leong and Chris Sachvie, it was looking unlikely that former World #1, James Stout would defend his 2023 Johnson title. However, as is often the case an early first round test can prove to be invaluable and luckily for James Stout and Scott Arnold this proved to be the case.
In the bottom half of the draw an immaculate Chris Callis and Sam Khalifa took control of their semi final early on and didn’t let up. Home pro, Jim Bamber and his partner Zac Alexander fought hard to stay in the match and rally the packed Heights Casino crowd but we’re unable to find a gap in the dominant Callis/Khalifa duo.
The second semi final featured the surprise team of Adam Bew’s and Greg McArthur. Bews/MacArthur took full advantage of the withdrawal of their round of 16 opponents and 3rd seeds, John Russell and Matt Henderson by beating 5/8 seeds Cameron Pilley and Ryan Cuskelly to advance to the semis. Bews/McCarthur started slowly and looked out of their depth for two games before cutting out the unforced errors to take the third game and challenge Stout/Arnold before losing in four games.
The final promised to be an interesting match up between the inform Callis/Khalifa and the resurgent Stout/Arnold.
Stout/Arnold started the final on full attack taking the first game, both Stout and Arnold displaying the exceptional shot making and ball striking that had been lacking from their season so far. Callis/Khalifa played a solid second game to level the match and before heading into an extremely tight 3rd game. The game level at 14-14 saw a reverse from Callis possibly hit the tin. With the referees undecided the players agreed to play a let only for the point to be repeated 7 more times before Stout/Arnold were able to close it out. Stout/Arnold dominated the start of the third game and managed to hold off a late comeback to close out the match.
As always, the Heights Casino crowd showed their full appreciation for the players through out the weekend. One of the most knowledgeable and engaged crowds in squash doubles The David C. Johnson Memorial tournament is one of the longest running tournaments on the SDA Pro Tour and a favorite among the players.