Eala sizzles

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala punched a ticket to the Final Four of the JA Milan, escaping with a 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4 quarterfinal win over Belgium’s Sofia Costoulas last night in Italy.

Eala, the world juniors No. 3 and top-seeded player in Milan, advanced to the semis versus either Mirra Andreeva of Russia or Tilwith Di Girolami of Belgium.

The 16-year-old Filipina pride previously beat Czech Republic’s Brenda Fruhvirtova, Canada’s Kayla Cross and Russian Ksenia Zaytseva.

Eala has also booked a seat in the semifinals of the doubles play with partner Madison Sieg of the United States.