Alex Eala beats Emerson Jones to reach Hong Kong Open last 16

Alex Eala beat Emerson Jones 6-4, 6-3 to reach the last 16 of the Hong Kong Open in Hong Kong.

Eala, a 21-year-old player from the Philippines, had to face 18-year-old Australian Jones as a late replacement after Alycia Parks withdrew.

Jones entered the main draw after losing in qualifying, and Eala won their first-round match in straight sets.

The win gives Eala a chance to move closer to a second WTA title and her first title in Asia, though she has not won a title above the ITF level on the continent.

Eala’s next match is against Czech player Tereza Valentova, who has beaten her in both of their previous WTA meetings.

If Eala advances, she could face Wang Xinyu in the quarter-finals, Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals and Sorana Cirstea in the final; the tournament final is scheduled for November 8.