Pickleball continues to gain momentum in the Philippines, with the fast-growing sport attracting more players, local organizations and facilities across the country and establishing a stronger presence in the nation’s sporting landscape.
That growth was once again on display last weekend when Filipinas Diana Hughes and Grace Woo delivered a strong international performance at the PPA Tour Asia Vietnam tournament in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hughes and Woo captured the silver medal in the women’s doubles 35+ division, adding another podium finish to their growing list of accomplishments and further highlighting the Philippines’ increasing presence in the regional pickleball scene.
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The result also continued an impressive run for the pair, who have consistently found themselves in contention whenever they compete together.
Hughes and Woo previously won silver at WPC Bangkok in May before claiming gold in Ormoc in June. They followed that performance with a bronze medal at PPA Singapore in July before returning to the top of the podium at the PPL Visayas Open in Dumaguete City.
Their latest silver in Vietnam adds another international podium finish to a remarkable stretch and underlines the consistency the duo has developed as a partnership.
The women’s doubles final also provided another significant moment for Philippine pickleball, as Hughes and Woo faced fellow Filipina Macy Ybanez, who partnered with a Vietnamese player in the tournament.
The all-Filipina presence in the championship match was a testament to the depth of talent emerging in the country and offered a glimpse of the Philippines’ potential to become a major force in the regional pickleball community.
For Hughes, seeing another Filipina reach an international final was just as meaningful as securing another medal.
Gearbox top pickleball players Diana Hughes and Grace Woo of the Philippines captured the silver medal in women’s doubles 35+ at the PPA Tour Asia Vietnam tournament in Ho Chi Mihn City last weekend. https://t.co/hQLirK7mHl
— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) August 12, 2026
“I’m really happy and proud to see another Filipina competing in the finals. Seeing Filipinas competing at this level and representing our country so well is something we all should be proud of,” Hughes told the media.
“It also shows the depth of talent we have among Filipina pickleball players. There are so many strong players coming up, and I’m excited to see how far Philippine pickleball can go,” she added.
Woo, meanwhile, admitted that while the duo always aims for the top spot, they were pleased with the way they performed throughout the competition.
“Diana and I are very happy with the silver. Of course, we always want to win, but we are proud of how we competed and fought through the tournament,” Woo said.
She also credited the coaches, sponsors and supporters who have helped them develop as players and continue competing at a high level.
“We have been fortunate to have the support of our coaches, sponsors and everyone who has been part of our journey. Every tournament gives us an opportunity to learn, improve and compete against some of the best players in the region,” Woo added.
Hughes’ strong showing in Vietnam did not end with the women’s doubles competition. She also captured silver in the mixed doubles 35+ division alongside Davis Alano, giving the Philippines another podium finish at the tournament.
Her pair of silver medals, combined with Hughes and Woo’s women’s doubles performance, further underlined the growing competitiveness of Filipino players on the international circuit.
Pickleball’s rapid growth in the Philippines has been fueled by its accessibility and relatively easy learning curve, while more courts, clubs and organized competitions continue to emerge in different parts of the country.
The sport’s increasing popularity has also created more opportunities for Filipino players to test themselves against international competition, with tournaments across Asia providing valuable exposure and experience.
For Hughes and Woo, their latest performance in Ho Chi Minh City is another step in what has become a highly productive year.
Their string of podium finishes across Bangkok, Ormoc, Singapore, Dumaguete and Vietnam demonstrates not only their individual ability but also the growing quality of Philippine pickleball.
With more Filipino players making their presence felt in international tournaments, the country’s ambitions in the sport are beginning to extend beyond the local scene.
And if the recent results are any indication, the Philippines’ pickleball boom could be producing a new generation of athletes capable of competing—and winning—on the international stage.
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