Eala-Alcantara tandem praised for winning medal in Asian Games

Alex Eala and the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Francis Alcantara fought hard but settled for the bronze medal in mixed doubles tennis at the 19^th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara bagged the bronze medal in mixed doubles tennis at the Asian Games. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The pair of an 18-year-old Women's Tennis Association campaigner and a Cebuana Lhuillier tennis ambassador had an amazing run to start the tournament, defeating serious contenders from Nepal, India, and Thailand.

The streak, however, was cut short when the Filipino duo fell short against Liang En-shuo and Tsung-hao Huang from Chinese Taipei, 7-5 and 6-3, in the semifinal round.

Despite the setback against the higher-seeded Taiwanese tandem, Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier was ecstatic with the bronze medal achievement of Eala and Alcantara.

“Seeing the duo achieve success at the Asian Games fills my heart with immense pride and joy. I know how our players worked hard to get this far. We are beyond excited to see what's in store for them in the future,” Lhuillier said.

It was a redemption of sorts for Alcantara who played with fellow Cebuana Lhuillier campaigner Ruben Gonzales in the men's doubles but were eliminated after the first round.

Eala, meanwhile, also bagged the bronze in women's singles.