Trailblazers Reunite and Garnett Eyes Triple Crown in Fukuoka
| August 30, 2025
The Orange County Cup magic returns to Asian courts on Championship Sunday as UPA Asia Trailblazers Wei Ting Chieh and Long Yufei reunite in the Women’s Doubles final at the Sansan Fukuoka Open.
The duo that stunned the pickleball world by advancing from qualifying to the quarterfinals at Orange County earlier this year will face first-time partners Nicola Schoeman and Danni-Elle Townsend. The Australian pair dominated their semifinal 2-0 (11-3, 11-2) and look to spoil the Trailblazers’ reunion.
For Wei, victory would mean an unprecedented third consecutive PPA Tour Asia Women’s Doubles title, having triumphed in Malaysia with Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall and at the Hong Kong Open with Roos van Reek. Long seeks her first doubles gold to add to her singles success.
Connor Garnett’s pursuit of perfection continues into Championship Sunday with a triple crown within reach. The American hasn’t dropped a single game throughout the tournament and faces Vietnam’s Phuc Huynh in the Men’s Singles final. Currently ranked #3 on the PPA Tour with two gold medals to his name, Garnett looks unstoppable in Fukuoka.
His triple crown chase includes the Mixed Doubles final partnering Allyce Jones against Wei and Len Yang, followed by the Men’s Doubles final with Tyler Loong against local favorite Kenta Miyoshi and Robert Stirling.
Connor Garnett (right) could be on his way to a triple-crown as he makes the Men’s Doubles final with Tyler Loong (left).
The Women’s Singles final delivers another compelling matchup as Long Yufei chases her second PPA Tour Asia title against Hsieh Yu-chieh. Fresh off a silver medal at the Hong Kong Open, Hsieh seeks redemption in back-to-back finals.
Japan’s hopes rest with Miyoshi, who pulls double duty on Championship Sunday. After his semifinal loss to Garnett, the local star battles for bronze against Hong Kong Open champion Wong Hong Kit before returning for the Men’s Doubles final. Having secured at least one home medal, Miyoshi and Stirling aim to upgrade to gold against the formidable American duo.
Don’t miss any of the action and tune in when Championship Sunday kicks off at 9:00 (GMT+9) with bronze medal matches before the finals go down from 14:00 (GMT+9).
