HEARTBREAK

EALA BOWS TO AUSSIE IN DRAMATIC FINALE

- By JOHN BRYAN ULANDAY

History denied. Alex Eala's dream title bid fell at the hands of Australia's Maya Joint in a thrilling finale, 4-6, 6-2, 6(10)-7 at the Lexus Eastbourne Open yesterday at the jampacked Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club.

Eala wasted four championship points in the tiebreaker, including back-to-back errors from a 10-9 lead for the crushing defeat against the resilient Australian who denied the Philippines its first WTA title.

"First of all, I want to congratulate Maya for a great match and great tournament. We did very well so if I was to lose in this tournament, it's gonna be against Maya. Congratulations!," said Eala, in tears on the podium after a bridesmaid finish.

"It's such a beautiful tournament. To all who came to support, thank you for making my first WTA final special. It's historic for my country as no Filipina has ever done it. Thank you."

Eala, 20, and Joint, 19, were the youngest players to clash in the Eastbourne finals since 1981—and they did not disappoint, needing almost three hours to dispute the coveted trophy.