Alex Eala edges Chinese foe, advances in Guangzhou Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Alex Eala is off to the final round of the qualifiers for the Guangzhou Open after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Liang En-Shuo, 5-7, 6-1, 7-5, Saturday night in Guangzhou.

Eala won the hard-fought battle that took two hours and 10 minutes.

The Filipina tennister was on the verge of taking the first set as she moved to set point, 5-4.

But Liang came back and secured the next three games to frustrate Eala.

In the next set, Eala vented her ire on her opponent as she took an easy 6-1 set.

The third set, however, was more interesting as the two tennisters exchanged sets.

With the set tied at four games apiece, Eala took the lead, which was then equalized by Liang.

Eala took a 6-5 lead after and never looked back as she ended the grueling match.

The No. 10 tennister in the qualifiers will be facing American Elizabelth Mandlik in the final qualification match, which will happen on Sunday.

Eala earlier bowed in both the W100 Tokyo and the Japan Women’s Open.

The Guangzhou Open is Eala’s final tournament before the Asian Games.