KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Alex Eala yielded to seventh seed Katarzyna Kawa of Poland, 2-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the second round of the W60 Templeton in California Thursday, Sept. 29 (early Friday in Manila).

Eala, who earned a wildcard berth in the $60,000 tournament, failed to sustain her hot start against her higher-ranked foe.

She opened up her campaign with a first-round victory over Israel’s Shavit Kimchi, 6-0, 6-0.

Eala also bowed out early in the doubles with French partner Alice Robbe as they succumbed to American pair Madison Brengle and Whitney Osuigwe, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 10-6.

This was Eala’s first tournament in the women’s circuit since winning the 2022 US Open Girls Singles title.

She has been practicing in Central Coast, California for the past weeks in preparation for tougher events in the US.