Alex Eala moved within one win of her first Southeast Asian Games women’s singles gold after posting a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Thailand’s Thasaporn Naklo in the semifinals in Nonthaburi.
The top seed controlled the opening set before weathering a brief second-set surge from Naklo, regrouping in the closing games to secure the win and guarantee at least a silver medal.
Ranked No. 52 in the world and the highest-ranked player in the tournament, Eala will face another Thai opponent, Mananchaya Sawangkaew, in the final on Thursday. The matchup puts Eala in position to deliver the Philippines its first SEA Games women’s singles gold since 1999, improving on her bronze finish at the 2022 Games regardless of the outcome.
The win continues Eala’s strong run following a breakthrough WTA season highlighted by a semifinal appearance at the Miami Open. Her SEA Games campaign is not over, as she is also set to return to action in the mixed doubles semifinals alongside Niño Alcantara, with the schedule still to be announced.
