Photo:Philta/ Philippine Women's Open

By Art Ramirez

Alex Eala started the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open with a 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Alina Charaeva last Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

The second-seed Eala won the match in front of the home fans for the first time since her rise to world tennis stardom.

Photo:Philta/ Philippine Women's Open

Eala will face either Nao Hibino of Japan or Himeno Sakatsume of Japan in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Eala won the last six games, breaking serve thrice after falling behind 0-2 in the second set.

In the fourth game of the second set, Eala recovered from being down 15-40 with two service winners and two deuces to tie the match-up, 2-2.

Eala broke serve in the next game after two double faults by Charaeva.

The Filipina tennis superstar also delivered through a couple of precise down-the-line forehand winners to the delight of the home fans.