Team Philippines in the Billie Jean King Cup 2024. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA -- The Philippine women's national tennis team has gained promotion to Group II of the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup in Bahrain, after ending their campaign with a victory against Laos in their promotional match.
The achievement comes after the country's three-year hiatus from the tournament.
Marian Capadocia’s dominant 6-0, 6-0 showing frustrated her opponent, Phonesamai Champamanivong, in the first singles match.
Alex Eala then closed the win with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of Malaylack Delilah Parhummakuronen in the second singles.
READ: Alex Eala, Team PH dominate Qatar in BJK Cup
"I think our team is very strong. We have great depth overall, singles and doubles. We have Iglupas, Capadocia, Rivera, playing in the Southeast Asian games for the past 5 to 6 years; and obviously Eala having a lot of options where to play," said coach Denise Dy, a longtime member of Team Philippines and a SEA Games gold medalist.
"I'm glad the girls pulled through," she added. "There was a lot of pressure, but they did a great job."
The 19-year-old Eala was happy to help her team advance and also expressed her gratitude to the Filipino community in Bahrain who came out every day to cheer them on.
"I'm super grateful for their hospitality. Ginawa talaga nila lahat para maging komportable kami dito ng team," she said. "I didn't expect this turnout, so I'm super excited."
The Billie Jean King Cup is the world’s premiere team tennis competition for women.
Meanwhile, the Philippine men's team also won their Group V ties in the Davis Cup last week in Bahrain and gained promotion to Group IV in 2025.
READ: Philippine team earns Davis Cup promotion after win over Northern Mariana