Eala snaps Valentova slump

Alex Eala finally got the better of world No. 85 Tereza Valentova of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 7-6, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Tennis Open on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Filipina prevailed in a match that lasted nearly two hours, snapping a two-match losing streak against Valentova after defeats at the Japan Women’s Open last year and the Qatar Open in February.

“It was really, really tough. I think Tereza played incredibly and we were able to bring the match in a very high level,” Eala said.

“Really happy with the win and I think I escaped by a little bit.”

Eala will next face world No. 81 Antonia Ruzic of Croatia in the quarterfinals, with the match schedule yet to be announced.