MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala conceded to sixth seed Diana Shnaider, 5-7, 4-6, at the round-of-16 match at the Ningbo Open on Thursday, October 22.

Eala had looked to secure a back-to-back win at the Ningbo Open after earlier defeating France’s Diane Parry in straight sets in the round-of-32 game on October 19.

“It’s definitely much better than my previous one,” World No. 13 Shnaider said about her performance against Eala. “I’m obviously very happy the way I played today because, definitely, Alex is a very dangerous and tough opponent.”

Both players are left-handed, and Shnaider had referred to the Filipina tennis ace as a “big hitter” she knew would be challenging to beat.

“It’s never easy to play another lefty…. I feel like you gotta just get used to the ball. The first few games, you just kind of get used to the spin, where is her strike zone, what is her weakness. You just gotta give yourself a little bit more time to adjust, and then it becomes a little bit easier when the game goes on,” the Russian player said, explaining her technique in the match against Eala.

After defeating Eala, Shnaider secured her spot in the last eight and will face the US’ Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals of the Ningbo Open.

The 21-year-old Filipina had previously made an early exit at the Wuhan Open after absorbing a loss from World No. 177 Shi Han of China in the round of 64.

Eala is currently ranked World No. 20. – Rappler.com