Alex Eala reaches final in W25 Thailand | Inquirer Sports

Alex Eala reaches final in W25 Thailand

/ 03:11 PM April 09, 2022

Alex Eala Miami Open

FILE – Alex Eala of the Philippines trains during the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 24, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala is trying to get the feel of the competition and the weather in the region ahead of the Southeast Asian Games next month. And the Philippines’ brightest hope is getting the hang of it, so far.

The 16-year-old Eala barged into the finals of the W25 Chiang Rai in Thailand against an older, more experienced hometown bet Luksika Kumkhum on Sunday.

Article continues after this advertisement

It is expected to be a preview of the SEA Games singles competitions as KumKhum is likely to represent her country in the Games in Hanoi. The 28-year-old Thai, ranked 66th in the world, won women’s singles in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur edition.

FEATURED STORIES

Eala is seeing action in the biennial meet for the first time and her stint took a major part in her training regimen at Rafael Nadal Academy.

Making a detour from her European and American tour, Eala blazed through the main draw of the hard courts tournament beating China’s Ma Ye-Xin, 6-3, 6-4, in Saturday’s semifinals.

Article continues after this advertisement

She also drubbed Japan’s Momoko Kobori (6-3, 6-3) in the quarterfinals and Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej (6-3, 6-4) in the second round. Her most difficult match so far was her 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Serbia’s Katarina Kozarov in the opening round.

Article continues after this advertisement

But it’s going to be a different level going up against KumKhum who has been playing in the Grand Slams since 2013 and finishing a career-best third round in the 2018 Australian Open.

KumKhum, an Asian Games gold medalist in women’s doubles, marched to the finals after a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Erika Sema of Japan in the other semis.

RELATED STORIES

Alex Eala enters semis in W25 Thailand

Alex Eala advances to W25 Thailand second round

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Alex Eala

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.