Alex Eala advances to Canberra semis with victory over Aussie foe

Metro Manila, Philippines — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 125 Canberra International after defeating Australia's Taylah Preston, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, on Thursday in the quarterfinals.

Eala, the world No. 147, relied on her first serve with a 73 percent win compared to Preston's 67 percent and committed fewer double faults with only two.

Eala is off to a strong start in the new year as she previously dominated Arianne Hartono of Netherlands, 6-3-6-3, in the Round of 16.

She will battle either Switzerland’s Simona Waltert or Wei Sijia of China in the semis on Jan. 4.