SPORTS

Alex Eala wins over US’ Mandlik

Ivan Suing

Alex Eala makes it into the main draw of the Galaxy Holding Group Guangzhou Open at the Nansha International Tennis Center in Guangzhou, China after a 7-5, 7-6 win over United States' Elizabeth Mandlik in the second qualifying match Sunday evening.

Eala, 18, needed two hours and four minutes to get over her American foe and make it to the tournament proper.

Eala previously defeated Liang En-shuo of Chinese Taipei, 5-7, 6-1, 7-5, in the first qualifying match last Saturday.

The graduate of the world-famous Rafael Nadal Academy has yet to know her next opponent in the round of 32.

"Main draw here I come!! Tough two matches to start the tournament but well worth the effort," Eala said in a social media post.

This will be Eala's final match in Asia before suiting up for the national team in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The Guangzhou Open runs from 18 to 23 September, the opening ceremony of the Asiad, and if Eala makes it all the way to the final, she will have little time to rest as the tennis tournament begins on 24 September at the Hangzhou Sports Park Tennis Center.