By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alexandra Eala and doubles partner Janice Tjen advanced to the semifinals of the Abu Dhabi Open after scoring a dominant 6-3, 6-3 win over Zhang Shuai of China and Cristina Bucșa of Spain in their quarterfinal match yesterday (Philippine time).

The Eala-Tjen tandem controlled the match behind efficient serving and strong play on key points.

They converted five of seven break-point opportunities while limiting their opponents to just two breaks in five chances.

Eala and Tjen were solid on serve, winning 65 percent of their first-serve points and 56 percent on their second serve.

They also capitalized on extended rallies, finishing with 56 total points compared to 43 for Zhang and Bucșa.

The pair won seven service games and 31 service points, while also edging their opponents in receiving points, 25-20, to seal the straight-sets victory.

With the win, Eala and Tjen moved into the semifinals, where they are set to face the tandem of Tereza Mihalíková of Slovakia and Olivia Nicholls of Great Britain early Saturday, February 7.

Before Eala’s win in the doubles, the Filipina tennis star’s run in the singles event came to an end after she bowed to Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-3, 6-3, in the quarterfinals.

Eala struggled to match Alexandrova’s firepower, with the Russian firing four aces and winning 72 percent of her first-serve points.

Alexandrova also capitalized on her opportunities, converting five of nine break points to control the match.

Eala managed a higher first-serve percentage at 70 percent but won just 45 percent of those points.

She converted two of eight break chances and finished with 59 total points, compared to Alexandrova’s 74.

Alexandrova dominated on serve, winning seven service games and 41 service points, while Eala claimed four service games and 30 service points.

The Russian also edged Eala in receiving points, 33-29, to seal the straight-sets victory and advance to the semifinals./ASC, WDJ