Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) — Alex Eala advanced to the semifinals of the women’s singles tournament at the 19th Asian Games after completing a comeback victory over Japan’s Kyoka Okamura, 0-6, 7-5, 6-0, Wednesday at the HOC Tennis Centre in China.
After a sluggish start in the opening set resulting in a shutout, the 18-year-old Eala bounced back strong to assure herself of at least a bronze medal in her Asian Games debut.
With the victory, the Philippines will snap its 17-year medal drought in tennis at the Asiad. Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino won two bronze medals in the men’s singles and doubles at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
Eala will either face Qinwen Zheng of China or South Korea’s Sohyun Park in the semis.
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