THE Philippine women’s tennis team achieved a remarkable feat, earning promotion to Group II of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania after a dominant performance in the Group III Pool B matches held in Bahrain.
Spearheaded by world-ranked Alex Eala and seasoned national player Marian Jade Capadocia, the Filipinas delivered a flawless campaign, securing decisive victories against Nepal, Qatar, Guam, and Laos.
On the final day, Capadocia asserted her dominance with a resounding 6-0, 6-0 win over Phonesamai Champamanivong of Laos, while Eala sealed the sweep with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Delilah Pathummakuronen.
Their stellar performances secured the Philippines’ position at the top of Pool B.
The Billie Jean King Cup is recognized as the premier international team tennis competition for women.
The triumph follows a similar achievement by the Philippine men’s tennis team, which recently advanced to Group IV of the Davis Cup after emerging victorious in their Group V ties, also held in Bahrain.
With the outcome of the singles’ matches already guaranteeing victory against Laos, the third match in the tie, a doubles’ encounter featuring Khiin Iglupas and Shaira Hope Rivera against Phonesamai Champamanivong and Malaylack Delilah Pathummakuronen, was no longer necessary.
Eala, ranked 158th in the world, will now shift her focus to her professional career, resuming her campaign at the W100 Dubai this week.
Seeded No. 4 in the $100,000 tournament, she carries the momentum of this team victory into her individual pursuits, bolstered by the enthusiastic support of the Filipino community in the Middle East.
Guided by coach and former national team stalwart Denise Dy, the team’s success is even more remarkable given the country’s three-year hiatus from the Billie Jean King Cup.
