Eala bows out in Italy

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala succumbed to the seasoned home bet Sara Errani, 0-6, 6(3)-7, and bowed out of contention in the Veneto Open quarterfinals yesterday in Italy.

Ranged against the WTA No. 91 and former world doubles No. 1 ace, Eala was simply outclassed in straight sets marked by a shutout in the first set.

Eala, WTA No. 169, waged a stronger fight in the second by forcing a tiebreaker but to no avail as the 37-year-old Italian flashed her brilliance to advance in the Final Four of the $125,000-tourney.

The Filipina lefty from the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain took care of her first two assignments via sweep.