NONTHABURI, Thailand — Alexandra Eala, the Philippines’ top-ranked tennis player and a flagbearer at the Southeast Asian Games opening ceremony, begins her pursuit of an elusive gold medal Monday when she faces Malaysia’s Shihomi Li Xuan Leong in the women’s singles quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old Eala, ranked No. 52 in the world and the top seed in the tournament, received a first-round bye and did not play in the women’s team event, where the Philippines earned a bronze medal.
Eala is also competing in mixed doubles, partnering with Niño Alcantara. The pair received a bye into the quarterfinals and will face the winners of the Round of 16 match between Indonesia’s Ignatius Susanto and Meydiana Reinnamah and Singapore’s Daniel Abadia and Wei Choo.
A victory in either quarterfinal would guarantee Eala at least a bronze medal, with the singles gold her primary focus in her second SEA Games appearance. She won three bronzes in 2022.
“She’s hitting the ball very well and she’s definitely a lot rested,” said Philippine women’s team coach Denise Dy, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist. Dy noted a competitive field that includes Indonesia’s Janice Tjen and home favorites from Thailand but expressed confidence in Eala’s preparation and motivation.
Tennis events at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games are being held at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi through Dec. 19.
