Alex Eala fended off Thailand’s Thasaporn Naklo in the semifinals of the SEA Games 2025 women's singles tennis. The Filipinas tennis ace is guaranteed at least silver, her highest showing in the biennial meet.
One win away.
That is all that separates Alex Eala from her first-ever SEA Games gold medal after the Filipina tennis ace delivered a strong 6-1, 6-4 victory over Thailand’s Thasaporn Naklo in the women’s singles semifinals on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the National Tennis Development Center.
Eala bounced back from an early 0-2 hole in the second set, winning three consecutive games to lead 3-2.
Naklo responded briefly, but Eala secured a crucial break in the marathon eighth game to move ahead 4-3, eventually closing out another straight-set win that guaranteed her at least a silver medal.
Awaiting her in the championship round is Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who advanced after Indonesia’s Janice Tjen was forced to retire due to breathing difficulties.
[ALSO READ: Indonesia’s Janice Tjen retires in stunning SEA Games semis loss due to breathing issue]
There will be little time to rest for Eala, however, as she returns to action on Wednesday, December 17 in the mixed doubles semifinals.
Teaming up with Niño Alcantara, they will face Indonesia’s Aldila Sutjiadi and Christopher Benjamin with a spot in the gold medal round on the line.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Team Philippines competes at SEA Games 2025 Thailand]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.