BEACH VOLLEYBALL / MEN AT MANHATTAN BEACH : New Partner, Same Result for Adam Johnson

Adam Johnson teamed with Brazilian Jose Loiola to win his second consecutive Manhattan Beach Open on Sunday.

Johnson, a former USC All-American, teamed with Randy Stoklos to win the title in 1994. In Sunday’s final, Johnson and Loiola defeated Stoklos and Scott Ayakatubby, 15-7. For Johnson, beating his former partner made winning what is already considered the Wimbledon of beach volleyball extra special.

“I definitely wanted the bragging rights to this one,” Johnson said. “It just really feels great.”

Johnson and Loiola took a 4-1 lead, but Stoklos and Ayakatubby tied it at 4-4. Johnson served an ace to go up 5-4 and after a sideout, Loiola served for four consecutive points for a 9-4 lead. The closest Stoklos and Ayakatubby came after that was three points as Johnson and Loiola pounded shot after shot down the line.

Loiola, 26, moved to Manhattan Beach in 1993 from his native Rio de Janeiro to train and compete in the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals tour.

He will split $20,000 with Johnson for Sunday’s victory.

“[Loiola is] the biggest jumper I’ve ever seen in the sport of pro beach volleyball,” said Stoklos, the second-winningest player in beach volleyball with 122 open titles.