By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alexandra Eala and Janice Tjen advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s doubles event of the Abu Dhabi Open at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday (Philippine time).

Eala and Tjen progressed to the Round of 8 after defeating Filipina-Canadian Leylah Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic, 7-5, 3-6, 10-6, in the opening round of the doubles event.

The Eala-Tjen tandem relied on efficiency in key moments, particularly in the match tiebreak, where they pulled away late to seal the victory.

Eala and Tjen posted a higher first-serve percentage at 78 percent compared to 62 percent for Fernandez and Mladenovic.

Both pairs were equal on points won off the first serve at 61 percent, but Eala and Tjen had the edge on second-serve points, 69 percent to 65 percent.

Despite being outscored overall, 70-60, and losing the total games count, 11-10, Eala and Tjen capitalized on crucial rallies.

They won more receiving points, 28-26, and dominated on service points, 42-34.

The winning pair also committed fewer double faults, with just two against six by their opponents.

Both teams recorded one ace each.

Fernandez and Mladenovic converted more break points at 4-of-6, while Eala and Tjen went 3-of-6, but the duo made up for it by winning the lone tiebreak of the match.

Eala will return to action early on Thursday, February 5, against Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus in the Round of 16 of the singles event./ASC, WDJ