By Emily Blanc
MANILA — The strong run of Alex Eala at the 2026 Birmingham Open continued after she dispatched Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-3, 6-2, in the quarterfinal round on Saturday in the United Kingdom.
Eala once again proved too much for Sawangkaew, maintaining her mastery over the Thai standout following their previous encounters. The Filipina quickly established control in the first set, racing ahead before calmly closing it out despite a brief challenge from her opponent.
The second set opened on a more even note, with Sawangkaew edging ahead early. Eala, however, responded with a dominant stretch, winning four straight games and putting herself on the brink of victory.
A sharp backhand winner gave Eala match point, and a subsequent unforced error from Sawangkaew ended the contest, sending the Filipina into the final four.
Awaiting Eala in the semifinals is Swiss player Rebeka Masarova, who advanced after a three-set triumph over Mary Stoiana.
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