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.
Hughes added another silver medal in the mixed doubles 35+ with Davis Alano.
The result extended the impressive medal-winning run of the Hughes-Woo tandem, which has consistently reached the podium in recent doubles tournaments they competed.
Hughes and Woo won silver at WPC Bangkok in May, gold in Ormoc in June, bronze in PPA Singapore in July and, just recently gold at the PPL Visayas Open in Dumaguete City.
Their silver medal finish in Vietnam added another podium result for the duo's growing medal haul and highlighted their consistency against strong competition on the regional pickleball circuit.
For Hughes, the Vietnam tournament was particularly productive, as she secured a second silver in mixed doubles 35+.
The women’s doubles final also provided a special moment for Philippine pickleball, as Hughes and Woo battled fellow Filipina Macy Ybanez, who teamed up with an ace player from Vietnam.
“I’m really happy and proud to see another Filipina competing in the finals,” Hughes said.
“Seeing Filipinas competing at this level and representing our country so well is something we should all be proud of. 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.”
Woo said the pair remained proud of their performance and the progress they have made together.
“Diana and I are very happy with the silver. Of course, we always want to win, but we’re proud of how we competed and fought through the tournament,” Woo said.
“We’ve 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.”
The Hughes-Woo tandem is supported by Gearbox, Alset Gearbox Pickleball, Universal Paint Brook Knight Leagues (BKL) and Pickleball Central Philippines (PCPH), which serves as their training base under the guidance of Coach Amiel Sarion.
Hughes’ individual sponsors include Wilson, HOO Dermatology, Rexona, Immuni+ and Salonpas.
For Hughes, her two silver medals in Vietnam added another highlight to a strong 2026 campaign and further showcases the depth of Filipino talent in pickleball.
