HANGZHOU, China – Alex Eala begins her medal bid in the women's singles event on Monday in the 19th Asian Games here.

Eala battles Sarah Ibrahim Khan of Pakistan in one of the featured matches at the city's Olympic Stadium.

The 5-foo-9 Eala needs to play really smart if she is to beat her 32-year-old rival who is a veteran of many big tournaments in the region.

Eala is currently ranked No. 191 in the world and is hoping to make an impression in her Asian Games appearance.

Eala, 18, will also play in the mixed doubles with Ruben Gonzales where the two are among the favorites owing to her partner's impressive resume.

They are pitted against the Nepalese bets.

The narional team – Francis Alcantara is the third member – is hoping to end the country's 17-year medal drought in the continental showpiece or since Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit led the team to two bronze medal finishes in the Doha edition.