PHILTA awaits WTA decision

MANILA, Philippines — No penalty nor fine has so far been levied on World No. 18 Alex Eala by WTA for declining to participate in the China Open, a mandatory 1000 tournament, in order to play for the Philippines at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games but PHILTA secretary-general Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco is preempting whatever sanction may come with a request for an exemption on the basis of a patriotic duty. The request is under review by WTA.

“We have formally informed the WTA that Alex will represent the Philippines at the Asian Games and requested an exemption for missing the China Open,” said Tiangco. “As of now, no penalty or fine has been imposed. There is normally a penalty for missing a WTA mandatory tournament. Alex’ situation is different because she will officially represent the Philippines at the Asian Games, an event under the Olympic movement. We are still awaiting WTA’s response and of course, we respect their process.” If the request is turned down, Eala will face a $10,000 fine and a zero score to impact on her world ranking. Indonesia’s World No. 35 Janice Tien sought a similar exemption from WTA but was declined, indicating Eala isn’t likely to be spared a sanction.

In Nagoya, the tennis event is set on Sept. 27-Oct. 3. In Beijing, the China Open is scheduled on Sept. 30-Oct. 11. There are 10 WTA 1000 tournaments for top-ranked players this year and Eala has seen action in eight. Two tournaments are left in the calendar, the China Open and Wuhan Open on Oct. 10-18.

The Nagoya-bound tennis squad is made up of Eala, 21, in women’s singles and doubles, Nino Alcantara, 34, in mixed doubles, Shaira Rivera, 27, in women’s and mixed doubles, Tenny Madis, 19, in women’s singles and Stefi Aludo, 17, in women’s doubles. The coaching staff is composed of national coach Denise Dy, Eala’s Spanish coach Sandro Viaene from the Rafa Nadal Academy, fitness coach Khristian Callao and assistant coach Bobbie Angelo.

“We know our five players will give their best to bring home a medal, hopefully gold,” said Tiangco. “Alex herself has chosen to play for the flag and we’re very proud of her and the entire team. We fully support her decision.” Four of the five players are products of the Philippine Tennis Academy. “(PTA president) Tito Rommie (Chan) has been helping Philippine tennis ever since,” noted Tiangco. “We’re grateful to him and PTA that has produced so many good players and transformed their lives through tennis.”