Alexandra Eala is through to the Hong Kong round-of-16 after Katie Boulter retired from their match early in the second set.
Midway through the first set, world No. 51 Eala claimed a break but also instantly blew it. With the rising Filipina star leading 5-4 and Boulter serving to stay in the first set, a lengthy game ensued - in which the 19-year-old came out on top to bag the opener.
Shortly after, Boulter retired in some odd circumstances. Firstly, the Briton started the second set by breaking Eala in the very first game of the set. But then, the British three-time WTA champion got instantly broken back and she also appeared to be in distress during the third game - which she easily lost. After the Filipina opened a 6-4 2-1 lead, her rival retired.
Eala, who is making her debut at the WTA 250 tournament in Hong Kong this week, plays against No. 3 seed Victoria Mboko for a place in the quarterfinal.
Eala aims a deep Hong Kong run and a strong end to the year
I am looking to finish the year strong. I think this time of the year is typically one where a lot of players can feel the fatigue of the whole year behind. But you know, I'm trying to manage it and I'm doing my best, because obviously I'm still hungry and I still want to finish off on a high note. At the same time my team has 2026 in mind so I try to stay in the present and the job of my team is to plan moving forward," the 19-year-old told the Olympics website just before kicking off her Hong Kong debut.
Beating Mboko in the Hong Kong round-of-16 certainly won't be easy, but it will also be a great test for Eala and a win there could set her up nicely for a deep run.
