The top-seeded Eala took the opening set but could not maintain her momentum, as world number 85 Wang fought back to secure a 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 victory at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center.
The result ended Eala’s bid for a maiden Asian Games gold medal and secured her a bronze medal in the women’s singles event.
Wang rallies to reach final
Eala, ranked 18th in the world, started strongly and took the first set 6–3. However, Wang responded in the second set, levelling the match before taking control in the decider.
The Chinese player built a 4–1 lead in the third set and held her nerve to close out the contest, booking her place in the gold-medal match.
Wang will face compatriot Zhang Shuai in an all-Chinese final after Zhang defeated Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva 6–4, 6–2 in the other semi-final.
Eala proud to represent the Philippines
Despite the disappointment, Eala said she had no regrets about competing at the Asian Games.
The 21-year-old chose to represent the Philippines in Nagoya instead of competing at the concurrent China Open, where she could have earned WTA ranking points and prize money.
“I’m really happy to have experienced this, to experience the support … and to be with the team and, yeah, to compete for the country,” Eala said after her defeat.
She also acknowledged Wang’s consistency, admitting that she had experienced “a couple of ups and downs” during the match.
Second singles bronze for Eala
The semifinal defeat means Eala will leave the Games with a bronze medal, adding to the women’s singles bronze she won at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
She also claimed a mixed doubles bronze at the same edition in 2022, giving her three Asian Games medals overall.
Eala’s defeat also ended her opportunity to secure an automatic qualification place for the women’s tennis event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which was available to the Asian Games singles champion.
Although her pursuit of gold has ended, Eala’s campaign in Nagoya has delivered another podium finish for the Philippines and further experience against leading players on the international circuit.