Metro Manila, Philippines – Alex Eala is now assured of at least a bronze medal after defeating Joanna Garland of Chinese Taipei, 7-5, 6-0, to advance to the women’s singles semifinals in the 20th Asian Games on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan.

The 21-year-old Eala had to dig deep early in the contest as Garland threatened to take the first set with a slim 5-4 advantage. But the Filipino tennis star held her ground and fought back hard to grab the victory.

Eala then flexed why she is the top seed in the tournament with a dominating shutout in the second set to seal the win in the match that lasted one hour and 49 minutes.

Eala will battle Xiyu Wang of China in the semifinals with a shot at the gold medal on the line.

Eala will take a short breather as she returns to action with partner Shaira Rivera in the second round of the women’s doubles later today.