By NIKOLE JAVIER
Alex Eala barged into the quarterfinals of the W80 Poitiers tournament in France after taking down Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia, 6-3, 6-4, on Thursday, Oct. 29.
After suffering an early exit in the doubles contention with Croatian partner Petra Marcinko, 5-7, 2-6, against Miriam Kolodziejova and Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic, the Filipina ace came unfazed with a sweep against the Russian veteran who is 15 years her senior in their singles match.
The 17-year-old was also coming off inspiring victories against three hometown bets to reach the round of 16, the last one against Jessika Ponchet 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (6) last Oct. 25.
The junior champion who held the first serve for a 4-2 lead in the opening set found herself leveled with the 32-year-old Diatchenko at 4-4. But Eala banked on her reliable experience and took away the first set on her second set point.
Eala remained composed through the ensuing set with a 2-0 lead to get herself started which eventually extended to another 4-2 advantage after an impressive love hold.
With the No. 8 seed and WTA World No. 108 Diatchenko serving and Eala holding a 5-3 lead, the Filipina then broke serve at 40-15 to march into the quarterfinals of the $80,000 tournament where she is set to face Croatian bet Ana Konjuh.