Strong start for Alex Eala in Thailand
Strong start for Alex Eala in Thailand
DAVAO CITY--After defeating China's Han Xinyun in her first qualifying match, Alex Eala advanced in her quest for a place in the main draw of the Thailand Open in Hua Hin on Saturday.

Fourth-seeded Eala defeated Han, 6-1, 7-6,  close to a place in the main event. She only needs one more to enter the event itself.

Eala got out in front early in the first set, winning easily and controlling the tempo.

But Han, who is almost twice as old as Eala at 32, fought back in Set 2, pushing Eala to her breaking point and forcing the tiebreak.



After an hour and 53 minutes of play, the Rafa Nadal Academy student could keep her composure and win 7-6. (6).

Eala faces a more challenging opponent as she squares up against Kristina Dmitruk for the chance to play in the main draw, today, Sunday. 

Eala hopes of making her first appearance in the main draw of a women's Grand Slam dashed after losing her initial match in the Australian Open qualifying stages.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)

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