Fresh off her title run in Birmingham, Alex Eala carried her momentum into the WTA 500 HSBC Championships, defeating Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, in the Round of 32 on Tuesday (PH Time).

Eala shook off a slow start and dominated the rest of the match to dispatch Zhang, a three-time Grand Slam doubles champion, and book a place in the Round of 16.

Zhang raced to an early 2-0 lead in the opening set, but Eala quickly found her rhythm. The Filipina broke back to level at 2-2, then seized control with aggressive baseline play and consistent returns. She won four of the next five games to take the first set, 6-3.

Eala carried that momentum into the second set, breaking early for a 1-0 lead. Though Zhang briefly leveled at 1-1, Eala responded with a dominant stretch, winning four consecutive games to build a 5-1 advantage.

Zhang managed to hold once more, but Eala closed out the match comfortably, 6-2.

The victory extends Eala’s strong run on grass following her Birmingham triumph and puts her into the last 16 of the tournament.

Awaiting her in the next round is familiar foe and sixth seed Iva Jovic of the United States. The two last met in the first round of the French Open, where Jovic defeated Eala, 6-4, 6-2.

Eala will look to turn the tables this time as she continues her bid for another deep run on the WTA Tour.