Alex Eala opens Asian Games run on high note; sepak takraw secure medals for PH - GMA Network

Alexandra “Alex” Eala opened her campaign in the 2026 Asian Games on a high note, while the Philippine sepak takraw team secured medals for the country on Monday in Japan.

Eala defeated Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej, 6-1, 6-0, in the second round of the women’s singles tournament to advance to the quarterfinals. She will face Joanna Garland of Chinese Taipei in the next round.

Stefi Aludo and Tenny Madis, meanwhile, also advanced after defeating Indonesia’s Anjali Junarto and Meydiana Reinnamah, 6-3, 7-6(4), in the first round of the women’s doubles tournament.

Eala and Shaira Rivera will open their doubles campaign against Hong Kong’s Lai Ching Laam and Liu Kallista on Tuesday.

The Philippine sepak takraw team also secured medals for the country, with the men’s team securing a bronze after falling to Malaysia in the semifinals.

The women’s doubles team, meanwhile, is assured of at least a silver medal after advancing to the finals.

In other sports, SIBOL’s Honor of Kings team also bagged a bronze after falling to China in the semifinals.

Alas Pilipinas Men, meanwhile, fell to China in pool play.

Olympian Nesthy Petecio also ended her medal bid after falling to China's Yang Chengyu, while Carlo Paalam is already assure of at least a bronze medal after defeating after beating China’s Zhang Jiamao.

On Tuesday, EJ Obiena will look to add another medal for the Philippines in pole vault, alongside 800-meter runner Victoria Bossong.