Valiant Alex Eala falls short vs. world no. 23 Zheng Qinwen to claim bronze in Asian Games 2023

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala put up a gallant stand but fell short against WTA no. 23 Zheng Qinwen, 6-1, 6(5)-7, 6-3, in the women's tennis singles semifinals of the 19th Asian Games on Thursday in Hangzhou, China.

Eala's semifinals finish assured her of a bronze medal in the continental tourney. 

After a slow start, WTA no. 190 Eala fought back and saved three match points in the second set before the tie-break which forced the deciding set. However, it was Zheng who emerged victorious to advance to the finals.

Prior to the semifinals, Eala ousted Japanese foe Kyoka Okamura in the quarters, 7-5, 6-0.

This is the Philippines' fifth bronze and sixth overall medal in this year's edition of the Asiad. This is also the country's first Asian Games medal in singles tennis in 61 years, and the first Asiad medal in tennis since 2006.

Eala, along with Francis Alcantara, also advanced to the semifinals of the mixed doubles event, assuring them of at least another bronze medal.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News