Eala barges into W40 Petange finals

MANILA, Philippines -- Alex Eala has the opportunity to take home her third professional singles' championship this year, barging into the finals of the W40 Petange in Luxembourg after stunning heavily favored Anna-Lena Friedsam, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 Sunday morning (Manila time).

It was a grueling affair, as Eala and Friedsam battled it out for two hours and 30 minutes.

The two tennisters traded won games in the first set, but Eala managed to get the upper hand in the 11th game to grab a 6-5 lead.

In the 12th game, the German Friedsam took a 30-love lead, but Eala blanked her all the way through and secured the set with a break point.

The two then found themselves in a 4-4 deadlock in the second set, but Friedsam won the final two games as they slugged it out.

The last two games saw the Filipina and the German trade advantages, but the world's 114-ranked Friedsam bagged the set.

In the final set, however, Eala looked like she had newfound energy, as she ran away with it.

With Friedsam tying the set at 2-2, Eala showcased her mastery and won four straight games, securing her spot in the finals.

However, standing between Eala and glory is France's Oceane Dodin, who earlier defeated Belgium's Hanne Vandewinkel, 6-1, 6-3.

Dodin has been dominating in the tourney, as she swept all of her opponents thus far.

The 27-year-old French tennister is currently ranked 101st in the world, and is aiming for her fifth championship this year.