NONTHABURI — Alex Eala finally sees action for Team Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Tennis Development Center as the women’s singles quarterfinals gets going on Monday.
Eala, who was listed in the roster but did not see action in the team event, will be playing two matches in one day — women’s singles and another in mixed doubles. Both are quarterfinals, which means a win guarantees at least a bronze in two events.
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All eyes will be on her singles’ bid as she chases a SEA Games gold medal in her second campaign in the biennial tournament. The world No. 52 will be facing off against Malaysia’s Shihomi Leong.
Philippine women’s team head coach Denise Uy doesn't see an easy path to the gold for the rising star.
“She had a great training week this past week and the past few days and I think it's going to be a competitive field with not only Janice [Tjen], but we can't count out the two Thai players on the draw as well,” said Dy, herself a two-time SEA Games gold medalist.
“At the end of the day, it's tennis and anything can happen. But I think she's hitting the ball very well and she's definitely a lot rested in her Asian circuit series this past couple of weeks. I think she's ready to go and she's really, really excited and motivated to do well.”
Meanwhile, Eala will partner with Niño Alcantara in the mixed doubles, where they will face off with the winner of the Round of 16 match between Indonesia’s Ignatius Susanto and Meydiana Reinnamah and Singapore’s Daniel Abadia and Wei Choo.
Eala and Alcantara drew a first-round bye.
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