NONTHABURI — Alex Eala is set to finally see action for Team Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games as the women’s singles and mixed doubles quarterfinals begin Monday, December 15, at the Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi.

Listed on the roster but absent during the team event, Eala will compete in two quarterfinal matches. Winning both would assure her at least two medals, adding to her SEA Games haul, with particular attention on her bid for a women’s singles gold.

Singles spotlight

Eala will open her campaign against Malaysia’s Shihomi Leong in the women’s singles quarterfinal. With a year of added experience since her 2022 SEA Games debut, she is now a central figure in the Philippines’ push for medals in individual events.

“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 women’s team head coach Denise Dy, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist. “She’s hitting the ball very well and she’s rested from the Asian circuit series. She’s ready and very motivated to do well in the games.”

Mixed doubles opportunity

In mixed doubles, Eala will partner Niño Alcantara. The pair received a bye in the Round of 16 and will face the winner of the match between Indonesia’s Ignatius Susanto/Meydiana Reinnamah and Singapore’s Daniel Abadia/Wei Choo.

Both events present a chance for Eala to secure more hardware for Team Philippines as the tournament enters its crucial stages.