NONTHABURI – Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala booked her spot in the gold medal match of the SEA Games women’s singles after defeating Thailand’s Thasaporn Naklo, 6-1, 6-4, in a semifinal showdown on Tuesday at the National Tennis Development Centre.

The top-seeded Eala faced a strong comeback from Naklo in the second set after dominating the opener 6-1. Trailing 0-2 early in the second set, Eala struggled against Naklo’s powerful service game, which disrupted her rhythm.

Fueled by the support of a lively Filipino crowd, Eala regained control, taking a key lead at 5-3. Naklo fought back to claim the next game, but Eala held her nerve and sealed the victory in the 10th game, guaranteeing at least a silver medal.

Currently ranked No. 52 in the world, Eala will face another home favorite, Manachaya Sawangkaew, in the finals on Thursday. A win would make Eala the first Filipino to claim SEA Games women’s singles gold since Maricris Fernandez-Gentz in 1999—six years before Eala’s birth.

Women’s team head coach Denise Dy praised Eala’s composure and resilience. “Her opponent was very experienced, but Alex handled the center court superbly. Despite the second-set resistance, she responded well and closed out the match—an important quality for a champion,” said Dy, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist.

Eala also aims to secure another final appearance in the mixed doubles, teaming up with Niño Alcantara in Wednesday’s semifinals.