Birmingham: Filipino Alexandra Eala eyes another victory over Thai Mananchaya Sawangkaew in their quarterfinal duel on Friday night in the Lexus Birmingham Open at the Edgbaston Priory Club in the United Kingdom. The two previously met at the 33rd SEA Games singles final last December, with Eala winning 6-1, 6-2, to end the Philippines' 26-year gold medal drought in women's singles.
According to Philippines News Agency, Eala, playing in her first grass-court tournament this season, set up a rematch with Sawangkaew following a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Russian Alina Charaeva Thursday. Eala had also beaten Charaeva, 6-1, 6-2, at the WTA 125 Manila Round of 32 last January.
"I think I was pleased with my attitude [today]. I was in a tough spot in the second set, and I'm proud I stayed in there, giving myself another chance to do better tomorrow," said the World No. 37 Eala after the match.
