by Kristel Satumbaga-Villar, Manila Bulletin
Alex Eala advanced to the main draw round of the W80 Rancho Santa Fe International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament Tuesday, Oct. 4 (Wednesday in Manila) after routing her American foe in California.
The 17-year-old Eala blanked Alana Smith, 6-0, 6-0, to set up a first round meeting with another American in the 32-player main draw field.
She is slated to battle wildcard bet Dalayna Hewitt where a victory would arrange her a second-round date with Canada’s Katherine Sebov.
Sebov made her title campaign felt by stunning seventh seed and compatriot Carol Zhao, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2.
Eala, who has never met 21-year-old Hewitt in the pro circuit prior to their matchup, holds a better ITF ranking at No. 288 against the American’s No. 401.
Hewitt is searching for her second pro singles title after winning the W15 Monastir crown in Tunisia last year.
Eala, meanwhile, is looking for her third pro title following victories in the W25 Chiang Rai in Thailand last April and in the W15 Manacor in Spain last year.
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