Eala jumpstarts new season with two int’l runner-up stints

One of the Philippines’ most promising talents, Alexandra Eala, finished runner-up in back-to-back ITF junior Grade 2 tournaments held in India.

The 13-year-old bowed to

16-year-old fourth seed Mai Napati Nirundorn, 6-2, 3-6, 2-6, late Saturday in the Indian J2 final held in Kolkata.

She was also second placer in the Indian J2 held in New Delhi the previous weekend.

“I’m still very happy with my performances and I hope to finally win my first title this year,” said Eala, who left Colegio San Agustin-Makati for a full scholarship at Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain.

Both were Grade 2 tournaments, which are three levels below the Grand Slams.

Late last year, Eala won the Phinma juniors held here which was a Grade 4 meet.

Eala capped 2018 with the Overseas Player of the Year honor in the girls’ division

Eala is expected to further rise in the world rankings, from her current 152nd in juniors, after the India tournaments.