HAIL ALEX THE GREAT

Alex Eala served up an ace for Team Philippines as it scrambles for more victories in the homestretch of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here.

- By OLMIN LEYBA

Hitting the court the morning after Wednesday's robust nine-gold haul capped by the Filipinas' historic women's football triumph, Eala played with her trademark IQ, powerful left-handed groundstrokes and competitive fire to gift the country with the elusive tennis singles victory.

In front of adoring supporters in NonThaburi, the world No. 53 made short work of Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-1, 6-2, to cop her first gold in the SEAG.

Eala's triumph is valued not only for its contribution to the lean haul on Day 9 but more so for being the Philippines' first in ladies singles in 26 years. Maricris Fernandez was the last one to do so in 1999.

"I think this is just whole other category playing with the country written on your back and this sort of team event brings a different kind of pressure," said Eala after wrapping up her second SEAG stint with a gold and a pair of bronze in women's team and mixed doubles.

"And so I'm happy with how I handled it and my performance everyday," she added.

Joining Eala in the winner's roster in what turned out as a slow grind were the Philippine Blu Boys and Michael Ver Comaling in modern pentathlon.