Alex Eala and Francis Casey Alcantara showed grit and resolve as they powered the Philippines to its third bronze medal in tennis at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, even after absorbing a painful semifinal loss in the mixed doubles event.

Playing before a partisan home crowd at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi, Thailand, the Filipino duo bowed to Thai pair Patcharin Cheapchandej and Pawit Sornlaksup in a tightly contested encounter that went down to the wire, 7-5, 5-7, 7-10.

The defeat ended their bid for a spot in the gold medal match but still earned them a place on the podium.

Despite the disappointment of falling short of the final, Eala struck a tone of maturity and perspective in reflecting on their campaign.

Speaking to the Philippine Olympic Committee, the young Filipina admitted the loss stung, but emphasized that there were no regrets after giving everything on court.

“Of course, the initial feeling is disappointment when you lose and you give your all,” Eala said.

“But no regrets. I think we did everything we could. In the end, doubles can really be a game of chance, and our opponents played really well. I’m happy with the effort we put in.”

Their semifinal clash reflected exactly that sentiment. Both pairs traded momentum throughout the match, with neither side able to fully pull away.

The PH duo claimed the opening set, absorbed a comeback in the second, and pushed the Thais to a deciding match tiebreak that hinged on just a few crucial points.