HANGZHOU, China – Tennis princess Alex Eala took an opening round bye in the women's singles event after the draw was held Saturday, 23 September, just hours before the 19th Asian Games officially opened here.

Seeded No. 4 – thanks to her good showing in several top-tier events – Eala will launch her medal bid on Monday before teaming up with Ruben Gonzales in the mixed doubles event on Tuesday.

Gonzales and doubles partner Francis Alcantara are looking for an encouraging start to their title bid when they clash against the Thais on Sunday.

The names of their Thai rivals are not yet available at press time, but for sure, both Gonzales and Alcantara know them being tour veterans.

Eala is being considered as one of Asia's rising stars having won her fourth ITF title in Great Britain last month.

But for her to be recognized as one of them, Eala, 18, needs to do well in her maiden appearance in the quadrennial sporting showcase.

Though she suffered an early exit in the Guangzhou event, Eala remained positive

Standing in her way is Chinese No. 1 Zheng Qinwen – the very same who stunned Ons Jabeur of Tunisia to reach the quarters of the recent US Open in New York.

Also tipped to do well is Indian Ankita Raina, the bronze medal winner of the 2018 edition held in Palembang, Indonesia.