By NIKOLE JAVIER
Alex Eala reaffirmed her mastery over Talia Gibson of Australia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, to reach the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Aldershot GB Pro Series on Thursday night, Aug. 17 (Manila time) in Great Britain.
Unlike the last time they clashed in June where Eala had little trouble scoring a 6-3, 6-1 win, Eala, this time, was pushed to the max before finally taming Gibson.
The Filipina tennis star is bidding for back-to-back ITF titles after winning the W25 Roehampton crown not even a week ago also in Great Britain.
Eala recovered from a set down with a crucial break in the next set that gave her a 4-2 lead.
But Gibson, who along with her partner, defeated Eala and her Australian tandem Destanee Aiava in the quarterfinals of the W25 Roehampton doubles event last week, rallied to tie the count at 4-all.
Never backing down, Eala broke the Aussie’s serve in Game 9 to regain the lead anew and escaped her foe’s resistance to force the decider.
Likewise, the Filipina had a promising start of 2-0, but Gibson turned it around on her side with a 3-2 fightback.
Despite Gibson’s counter, it was the last time she came ahead of Eala as the Filipina won the rest of the way.
The Filipina bet is looking to move to the semifinals of the singles event at the expense of American Jenna Defalco on Friday, Aug. 18 (Manila time).
Eala was not fortunate enough in doubles as she Polish partner Urszula Radwanska crashed out after a 4-6, 4-6 defeat at the hands of Japanese pair Saki Imamura, and Erina Hayashi in the semifinals.
