By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Alex Eala, emboldened by her new ranking of No. 195 in the world, blasted Finnish rival Anastasia Kulikova, 6-3, 6-3, to barge into the main draw of the W100 Tokyo International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament in Japan on Monday, Sept. 4.
Apart from coming through with ferocious shots, Eala, 18, also took advantage of Kulikova’s strong yet erratic serves to earn another chance to nail a fifth pro singles title.
The Filipina was coming off a 6-4, 6-2 victory over hometown bet Kanako Morisaki in the first qualifying round, a victory that gave her the extra zest in her showdown with Kulikova.
Eala’s first main draw assignment is yet to be determined at press time but the Rafa Nadal Academy alumna is expecting a tough competition.
But she’s ready.
World No. 81 Nao Hibino of Japan banners the field as she seeks her 13th ITF crown and third this year.
Other fancied bets are second seed Jule Niemeier of Germany, third seed Wang Xiyu and No. 4 Yue Yuan of China, and Australian fifth pick Kimberly Birrell.
The $100,000 event is Eala’s first high level tournament in the Land of the Rising Sun.
