Manila: Japan's Sakura Hosogi demonstrated her top-seeded prowess in the qualifying round by securing a spot in the main draw of the Philippine Women's Open. She achieved this with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over local hopeful Stefi Aludo at the recently renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate on Sunday. The 25-year-old Japanese player dispatched the Filipino teen in just over an hour.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hosogi expressed both nerves and excitement about advancing to the main draw in her first Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. She has previously claimed seven singles titles under the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Despite showcasing a variety of shots, Aludo, who also holds an ITF junior doubles title, was unable to match the strength of her Japanese opponent. Reflecting on her performance, the 17-year-old Aludo noted that although her strategy shift did not succeed, the experience was a learning opportunity. Having debuted at the 2025 Thailand SEA Games with a team bronze medal, Aludo is determined to improve her focus and composure in future matches.

Joining Hosogi in the main draw are Japan's Miho Kuramochi, Slovakia's Viktoria Morvayova, and Thailand's Peangtarn Plipuech. Kuramochi overcame American Mia Horvit 6-2, 6-1, Morvayova triumphed over Argentinian Nicole Fossa Huergo 7-5, 6-3, and Plipuech defeated Japan's Rina Saigo 6-2, 6-3.

Meanwhile, wild card entrant Alex Eala is set to compete against Russian Alina Charaeva in front of an anticipated sellout audience at 7 p.m. on Monday. The Philippine Women's Open marks the inaugural initiative of the National Sports Tourism-Inter-Agency Committee, established to enhance the nation's sports tourism efforts.