By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alexandra Eala completed a dramatic comeback to defeat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus in three sets, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5), to advance to the quarterfinals of the Abu Dhabi Open singles event yesterday (Philippine time).

The 20-year-old Eala looked on the brink of elimination in the deciding set after falling behind 0-4.

She clawed back to 2-4, but Sasnovich regained control to move ahead 5-2.

Refusing to fold, the WTA ranked No. 45 Eala strung together four straight games to seize a 6-5 advantage.

However, Sasnovich forced a tiebreak at 6-6, setting up a tense finish.

The two traded points in the breaker, with Sasnovich briefly taking a 5-4 edge.

Eala responded with three consecutive points to seal the victory and cap a stirring rally.

“Napasubo talaga ako dun,” Eala said in her post-game interview.

The match swung by narrow margins.

Sasnovich finished with five aces and won 121 total points, while Eala recorded 111.

Both players posted similar serving numbers, with Eala landing 71 percent of her first serves and Sasnovich at 69 percent.

Break-point chances were plentiful on both sides, as Sasnovich converted six of 11, while Eala drilled five of 17.

Eala will return to action on Friday, February 6, with partner Janice Tjen, as they battle Zhang Shuai and Cristina Bucsa in the quarterfinals of doubles event./ASC, WDJ