Eala bombs out early in Czech event

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala took an early exit in her return from a long hiatus, absorbing a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to Darya Astakhova of Russia in the first round of the W25 Milovice in Czech Republic.

Eala was tight from a two-month layoff caused by a foot injury and fell out of contention immediately in the $25,000 tilt as a junior exempt entry.

The 16-year-old Filipina sensation actually secured the first game against the WTA No. 291 Astakhova then struggled all throughout with only three games won in two sets.

Eala, the ITF junior No. 4 and WTA No. 524, last saw action in the US Open in September.