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Tag: Pickleball

  • Diana Hughes, Grace Woo lead Philippine pickleball charge with silver in Vietnam

    Diana Hughes, Grace Woo lead Philippine pickleball charge with silver in Vietnam

    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.

    “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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  • Philippines to build 25-court Helios Pickleball Center in bid to become Southeast Asia’s pickleball hub

    Philippines to build 25-court Helios Pickleball Center in bid to become Southeast Asia’s pickleball hub

    Pickleball continues to experience rapid growth in the Philippines, with the sport gaining popularity among recreational players, young athletes, and sports communities across the country. As more courts open in urban areas and provinces, the Philippines is now taking a significant step toward establishing itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for pickleball.

     

    The country recently moved closer to that goal following the announcement of a major partnership involving international pickleball stars Ben and Collin Johns, who will help design and technically plan the upcoming Helios Pickleball Center—a state-of-the-art facility expected to open in 2028.

     

    The ambitious project aims to become one of the premier pickleball destinations in the region, featuring 25 tournament-grade courts and a championship venue capable of accommodating 2,000 spectators. Organizers envision the facility as a venue capable of hosting major international competitions, including events sanctioned by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP).

     

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    Beyond providing a world-class playing environment for Filipino athletes, the Helios Pickleball Center is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a potential host for global pickleball events while creating more opportunities for local players to compete and develop.

     

    Former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann, who is involved in the project as head of operations of Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC), believes the facility can play a major role in sustaining the sport’s rapid expansion in the country.

     

    “We have seen the sudden rise of the sport in the country and we are aware of new courts appearing everywhere. If we can sustain this popularity, maybe we can also give the Philippines an instant foothold in the sport worldwide,” Bachmann said during a media interaction.

     

    Pickleball has grown significantly in recent years, attracting players from different age groups due to its accessibility, fast-paced action, and relatively low barrier to entry. In the Philippines, the sport has quickly gained a following, with communities forming in various cities and more facilities being developed to accommodate growing demand.

    The involvement of Ben and Collin Johns adds further credibility to the project. Widely recognized as two of the most successful names in international pickleball, the brothers have played a major role in elevating the sport’s global profile.

     

    Through Johns Design and Consulting (JDC), a firm co-founded by the Johns brothers, they will provide architectural design, facility planning, and technical consulting services to ensure that the Helios Pickleball Center meets international standards.

     

    Their expertise will be used to create a venue designed not only for everyday play but also for high-level competitions, ensuring that the facility can meet the requirements of professional tournaments.

     

    “Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth globally, and the Philippines is poised to become a major hub for the sport in Asia,” Collin Johns said.

     

    For Philippine pickleball advocates, the development represents more than just the construction of a new sports facility. It signals a commitment to building the necessary infrastructure needed to nurture local talent, attract international events, and introduce more Filipinos to the sport.

     

    Bachmann emphasized that the Helios Pickleball Center is only the beginning of a broader vision to expand pickleball facilities throughout the country.

     

    “This is just the start,” he said, as organizers expressed their intention to develop similar venues in different regions to make the sport more accessible nationwide.

     

    With the combination of growing local interest, increasing international recognition, and investments in world-class infrastructure, the Philippines hopes to position itself as a key player in the global pickleball landscape.

     

    As the sport continues its upward trajectory, projects like the Helios Pickleball Center could serve as a foundation for the next generation of Filipino pickleball athletes while helping establish the country as a premier destination for international competitions in Asia.

     

     

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  • Philippines set to enter pickleball spotlight with first PPA Asia events in 2026 and 2027 

    Philippines set to enter pickleball spotlight with first PPA Asia events in 2026 and 2027 

    The Philippines is positioning itself as a rising destination for international pickleball after plans were unveiled to bring the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Asia circuit to the country for the first time.


    The country is set to host the PPA Asia 125 tournament in December 2026, followed by the PPA Asia 500, also known as the Manila Open, in January 2027, as pickleball continues to gain popularity among Filipino athletes and enthusiasts.

     

    The announcement came alongside the launch plans for a world-class pickleball facility at Bridgetowne in Pasig City, where Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC) is preparing to build a venue capable of hosting major international competitions.

     

    Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman and current KAVC head of operations Dickie Bachmann said the PPA 125 event at Helios Beta will provide Filipino players with an opportunity to gain valuable ranking points and eventually compete at higher levels of the sport.

     

    The Helios Beta facility is scheduled for completion by October and will feature 14 courts, including a center court designed to accommodate up to 1,000 spectators. 

     

    The venue will host the PPA Asia 125 before becoming the stage for the PPA Asia 500 tournament the following January.

     

    The PPA Asia 125 serves as an entry-level platform in the PPA Tour Asia structure, giving developing players the chance to collect ranking points and work their way toward the 500 (Open), 1000 (Cup), and 1500 (Slam) levels.

     

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    Beyond the initial tournaments, KAVC is also preparing a larger pickleball project with the planned opening of the Helios Pickleball Center in March 2028. 

     

    The facility is expected to feature 25 tournament-standard courts, highlighted by a championship center court with a 2,000-seat capacity.

     

    The project is being developed in partnership with Johns Design and Consulting (JDC), founded by renowned pickleball players Ben and Collin Johns. 

     

    Collin Johns is well-known 35-time PPA doubles champion, he believes that the Philippines has the potential to become one of Asia’s major pickleball destinations.

     

    “Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth globally, and the Philippines is poised to become a major hub for the sport in Asia. Our goal is to ensure facilities are built with precise technical standards—from court surfaces and lighting to player flow,” Johns said. 

     

    KAVC president Kim Lapus said the collaboration with JDC reflects the organization’s goal of creating international-standard facilities that can support both professional athletes and the growing local pickleball community.

     

    Preparations for the upcoming events have also gained support from Philippine sports officials. In June, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio met with Philippine Pickleball Federation president Shery Anne Cu, deputy secretary-general Atty. Roy Iba, Bachmann, Event Director Francisco Lapus, and Event and Partnership Lead Avvy Lapus to discuss plans for the country’s upcoming international hosting duties.

     

    With the arrival of PPA Asia events, the Philippines aims to transform its growing pickleball interest into a stronger competitive scene while giving local players a chance to experience world-class competition on home soil.

     

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  • PPF targets strong showing for the Philippines in inaugural Pickleball World Cup

    PPF targets strong showing for the Philippines in inaugural Pickleball World Cup

    Pickleball continues its rapid rise in the Philippines, with the sport gaining steady traction across local communities, recreational circuits, and competitive tournaments. What was once considered a niche pastime has now evolved into one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, fueled by increasing participation, structured competitions, and the emergence of Filipino athletes capable of competing at an international level.


    This growing momentum has positioned the Philippines as a nation to watch in the global pickleball scene, particularly with the inaugural Pickleball World Cup set to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6. More than 80 countries are expected to participate in the landmark event, marking the first edition of the sport’s premier international competition.


    At the forefront of the country’s preparations is Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) president Sherry Anne Cu, who expressed confidence that the Philippines can make a strong impact on the world stage given the depth of talent currently emerging in the local scene.


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    “More than 80 countries are expected to participate. I personally believe, and many coaches, high-performance coaches, athletes, and professionals from other countries agree, that the Philippines has a strong chance to perform well and become one of the top nations in pickleball on the world stage,” Cu said in a media interaction.


    The federation is currently in the process of assembling its national delegation, carefully evaluating athletes based on performance, consistency, and international readiness. The Philippines is set to field a competitive roster in the Open Category, which features no age or skill restrictions and brings together the country’s top elite players.


    According to Cu, the national team will consist of a balanced lineup of male and female athletes, with five players selected per gender to represent the country in Vietnam.


    “We have an Open Category, which has no age or skill restrictions and features the country’s best elite players. We are sending five female and five male athletes,” she added.


    While selection is ongoing, the PPF continues to emphasize merit-based evaluation, drawing from athletes who have consistently performed in both local and international tournaments as well as those who have actively participated in federation-sanctioned events. However, Cu noted that the roster is not yet final, with several spots still open and tryouts continuing through an invitation-only system.


    “These players were selected based on their consistent performances in local and international tournaments, their participation in federation events, and their eligibility to represent the Philippines. We still have open spots, and tryouts are ongoing through an invitation-only process.”


    Cu also underscored the importance of support for the national program as the federation prepares to send a sizable delegation to Vietnam, with hopes of delivering a strong showing in the sport’s global debut tournament.


    “Our roster is still being finalized, which is why we need support. We are sending a large delegation to Vietnam and hope to make a strong showing for Philippine pickleball,” Cu concluded.


    The continued rise of pickleball in the Philippines has been reflected in the increasing number of grassroots and competitive events being organized nationwide. Tournaments such as the recent 1st KaTribu Pickleball Tournament highlight the sport’s expanding footprint and growing appeal among Filipino athletes of all ages.


    As the country builds toward its World Cup debut, expectations are steadily rising. With a developing talent pool and strong institutional backing from the PPF, the Philippines is aiming not only to participate but to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the global pickleball landscape.


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  • Philippine Pickleball Federation raises standards ahead of tougher 2026 Pickleball World Cup campaign

    Philippine Pickleball Federation raises standards ahead of tougher 2026 Pickleball World Cup campaign

    The Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) is taking a more deliberate approach as it prepares for what could be the toughest edition yet of the Pickleball World Cup.


    With elite-level international players now expected to join the 2026 tournament, the federation is shifting its focus from simply participating to building the strongest and most cohesive Team Philippines possible.

     

    The Pickleball World Cup 2026 is scheduled from August 31 to September 5 in Da Nang, Vietnam, where the Philippines hopes to improve on its Round of 16 finish in last year’s competition.

     

    But unlike previous editions, organizers have removed restrictions tied to skill ratings and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), opening the door for more professional-caliber athletes from around the world to compete.

     

    That development alone has significantly raised the stakes. Recognizing the deeper talent pool expected in Vietnam, PPF president Shery Cu said the federation will conduct a more intensive selection process across the Open (19+), Seniors (50+), and Juniors (18-under) divisions to identify players capable not only of competing individually but also thriving in team-based formats.

     

    Cu emphasized that selecting representatives will go beyond simply looking at rankings and ratings.

     

    “We’ve been very selective about which category so we’re going to be doing qualifiers in order for us to really pick the best players that we have to represent the country,” Cu said.

     

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    The qualifiers, according to Cu, will also mirror the actual World Cup setup to help players adjust early to the pressure and rhythm of international team competition.

     

    “We’re not saying that whoever’s top in DUPR, top in skill level, you’re the ones who are going to represent the country,” she said.

     

    Instead of relying purely on numbers, the federation wants to identify combinations that can work together under pressure — an approach that reflects how seriously the Philippines is treating this year’s campaign.

     

    The move to Vietnam is also expected to help the national team in ways beyond competition.

     

    Cu explained that logistical challenges previously prevented some of the country’s intended representatives from joining last year’s event. Holding the tournament in Asia now creates more accessibility for Filipino athletes while minimizing adjustments in travel, climate, and time zones.

     

    With pickleball rapidly expanding across the country, the federation also sees the tournament as an opportunity to uncover more high-level local talent capable of competing internationally.

     

    PPF ambassador Stella Almeda Lopez-Lavy believes the Philippines has already shown enough promise to become a legitimate threat on the world stage.

     

    “I think we did really, really well. We had all together like six medals, three golds. So that says something about the Filipinos. And I think the reason why I’m very excited about this year is because it’s in Asia now,” Lopez-Lavy said.

     

    For Lopez-Lavy, however, talent alone will not be enough if the Philippines hopes to compete against more established pickleball nations.

     

    Beyond individual ratings, she stressed the importance of chemistry, preparation, and long-term development among players selected for Team Philippines.

     

    “I hope when they identify the players that they do make that there is an effort made to actually get the team not just playing together but being coached and developed by somebody,” she shared.

     

    With the competition now happening closer to home, the federation hopes Filipino fans across Asia can help bring energy and support to the national team’s campaign.

     

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  • PPF establishes structured framework to support growth of Pickleball in Philippines

    PPF establishes structured framework to support growth of Pickleball in Philippines

    Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the Philippines, is gaining momentum at an unprecedented pace. Recognizing this surge in interest, the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) has announced a series of initiatives aimed at sustaining the sport’s growth, creating pathways for player development, and ensuring consistency and fairness across competitions nationwide.

     

    As the governing body for pickleball in the Philippines, PPF is officially recognized by both the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee, giving the federation the authority to oversee the sport’s development from grassroots programs to elite-level competitions. On Monday, February 23, PPF unveiled its comprehensive framework designed to guide players, coaches, and officials at every level of the game.

     

    At the forefront of PPF’s new initiatives is the launch of the Philippine Pickleball Participant (PPP) Registry, a national database that will track the progress and participation of players, coaches, and officials across the country. According to PPF president Shery Anne Cu, this registry will serve as the official source of information on player participation, match history, and rankings.

     

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    “This will be the official national players registry, and it will be accessed through registry.pickleball.ph. This will provide a unified identification system for all players and allow us to properly track participation, match history, and rankings for players in the Philippines. This allows grassroots participation to remain accessible while supporting higher-level competition,” Cu said.

     

    The registry is designed to benefit everyone from beginners just discovering the sport to elite players competing at national and international levels. By having a centralized system, PPF ensures that data on player activity and progress is accurate, consistent, and readily accessible.

     

    The move is expected to also facilitate coaching development, tournament organization, and overall transparency in the sport.

    Alongside the PPP Registry, PPF will launch the country’s first official national rankings and leaderboards, a critical step in creating a structured competitive environment. Players will earn ranking points only through sanctioned tournaments and recognized international competitions, allowing for a fair and transparent system that rewards merit.

     

    “Players will earn ranking points only through sanctioned tournaments and recognized international competitions using a 12-month rolling system to reflect current performances. The sanctioned tournaments will allow players to earn points towards their rankings, and the 12-month rolling dashboard will reflect who the top players are in each skill category in each age group,” Cu explained.

     

    The implementation of a rolling 12-month system ensures that the rankings accurately reflect recent performances rather than historical results, keeping the leaderboard dynamic and competitive. Players of all skill levels will have a clear understanding of where they stand nationally, creating motivation for improvement and providing a pathway to international representation.

     

    To kickstart the practical application of the new framework, PPF is organizing the 1st Philippine Pickleball Amateur Nationals 2026, set to take place from March 28 to 30 in Las Piñas. The event will not only crown the country’s top amateur players but will also serve as the selection mechanism for the EPIC World Amateur Championships in Singapore, scheduled from April 30 to May 3.

     

    The Nationals will feature players across multiple age groups and skill levels, ensuring inclusivity and giving emerging talent a chance to shine. With the PPP Registry and national rankings now in place, participants will have a clear path from grassroots competitions to the international stage.

     

    PPF’s comprehensive approach highlights the federation’s commitment to structured growth, player development, and international competitiveness. By creating a unified registry, establishing national rankings, and organizing high-profile tournaments, the federation is ensuring that pickleball in the Philippines continues to thrive, providing both opportunities and recognition for players at all levels.

     

    With the sport enjoying a surge in popularity, PPF’s initiatives come at a critical juncture. The PPP Registry, official rankings, and national tournaments represent not just administrative improvements but a cultural shift in how pickleball is organized and perceived in the country. By combining accessibility for beginners with structured pathways for elite players, PPF is setting the foundation for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

     

    As pickleball continues to attract new players and fans, the Philippine Pickleball Federation’s forward-thinking strategy ensures that the sport is ready to meet both national and international challenges, offering opportunities for players to grow, compete, and represent the country on the world stage.

     

     

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