Early exits thin Filipina field at Philippine Women’s Open

The historic debut of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open delivered a mix of promise and hard lessons for the home crowd, as two of the four Filipinas handed wild card entries bowed out on opening day at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts.

Teenager Tennielle Madis and Elizabeth Abarquez saw their campaigns end quickly, underscoring the steep challenge of stepping onto a tour-level stage for the first time.

Madis, just 18 and ranked No. 196 in the ITF juniors circuit, showed flashes early but was ultimately overpowered by Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, the world No. 197, falling 6-4, 6-0 in one of the final matches before the primetime spotlight shifted to Alex Eala.

Earlier in the day, Abarquez endured an even tougher draw, running into Japan’s Mai Hontama, who dictated play from start to finish in a swift 6-0, 6-0 decision. The results trimmed the Filipina contingent in half before the tournament even settled into rhythm.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Tenny Madis said she is grateful for the support she has received while she was playing earlier: “Isa lang po ang masasabi ko — Wow!”

Madis added playing against the likes of Mananchaya is a learning experience for her. | via JK Carandang / GMA Integrated News pic.twitter.com/w3bqNlC2df

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) January 26, 2026

That left the pressure — and opportunity — squarely on Eala and fellow wild card Kaye Anna Emana. Eala was still in action against Russian Alina Charaeva at posting time, while Emana is set to open her campaign Tuesday against Tatiana Prozorova, hoping to extend local representation deeper into the draw.

Elsewhere, the seeded players began asserting themselves. Fifth seed Camila Osorio of Colombia navigated past Japan’s Sakura Hosogi, 6-4, 6-3, booking a round-of-16 meeting with Hontama. 

Ukraine’s Yulia Starodubsteva eased through qualifier Peangtarn Plipuech, 6-0, 6-4, while Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee survived a three-set test against Simona Waltert, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

Tararudee now faces Polina Kudermetova, who advanced after a straight-sets win over Miho Kuramochi.

As the opening round unfolds, the tournament’s first chapter has already highlighted the gulf between emerging local talents and seasoned tour players — and the spotlight now sharpens on whether Eala and Emana can keep the Philippine presence alive in this landmark event.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!