Eala nears first ever SEAG gold

NONTHABURI, Thailand — Alex Eala earned the chance to fight for her first gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games women’s singles event following an impressive 6-1, 6-4 win over Thasaporn Naklo of Thailand in the semifinals on Tuesday afternoon at the National Tennis Development Centre here.

Eala, the top seed, bucked a tremendous fightback from Naklo in the second set where she was trailed 0-2 after a dominant run in the opener.

Naklo used her service game to her advantage, making it difficult for Eala to break her serve and gain momentum.

But a sizable Filipino crowd helped Eala surge forward in the nip-and-tuck second set where she gained a crucial advantage at 5-3.

Although Naklo managed to win the next game, Eala held her serve in the 10th game to finish the job.

With the win, Eala assured herself of the silver medal.

Ranked No. 52 in the world, Eala faces another home bet in Manachaya Sawangkaew in the final on Thursday, with a chance to win the country’s first gold in women’s singles since Maricris Fernandez-Gentz did it back in 1999 — before Eala was born.

After the match, women’s team head coach Denise Dy spoke highly of the 20-year-old’s efforts.

“I think her opponent is a very experienced player. I think Alex definitely handled the center court very well. She had some resistance, especially in the second set.” said Dy, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist.

“I thought the Thai player, Naklo, did a very good job battling and trying to compete back. I think that’s also what makes Alex great. She was able to not only respond very well, but close it out, which I think was very important for her.”

Before Eala vies for gold in the women’s singles, she targets one more final when she and mixed doubles partner Niño Alcantara fight in the mixed doubles semis on Wednesday.