Alex Eala continued with her winning ways against Mananchaya Sawangkaew, moving past the Thailand bet with a 6-3, 6-2 victory in the 2026 Birmingham Open quarterfinals early Saturday in the United Kingdom.
The straight-sets victory sent the Filipina star to the semifinals against Rebeka Masarova of Switzerland.
Facing the same opponent she dominated to win it all in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December, Eala wasted no time asserting her dominance by racing to a 5-1 lead in the opening frame.
Sawangkaew, however, responded with back-to-back game victories in an attempt to extend the set. But the 21-year-old Philippine pride quickly slammed the door shut in the following game, firing a strong serve that forced a return error from the Thai to seal the frame.
Sawangkaew got off to a strong start in Set 2 after seizing a 2-1 lead, but Eala quickly turned things around to take control. The Filipina ace captured the next four games in a row, including a dominant love game in the sixth to reach the match point at 5-2.
Serving for the match, Eala unloaded a two-handed backhand winner to move ahead 40-30 before Sawangkaew’s forehand sailed long on the next point, sealing the Filipina’s victory and ticket to the semis.
Eala will next face the 26-year-old Masarova, who was coming off a gritty three-set win over Mary Stoiana, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0.
Roland-Garros Complex
The Roland-Garros Complex is a world-renowned tennis venue in Paris, best known as the home of the French Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Opened in 1928, it was named after the French aviator Roland Garros and originally built to host the Davis Cup final. The complex features the iconic red clay courts, including the main stadium Court Philippe-Chatrier, and has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities.
Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is a global center for art, fashion, and culture, famously known as the “City of Light.” Its rich history dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was a Celtic settlement, later becoming a Roman city and eventually the political and cultural heart of France. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral reflect its enduring legacy through revolutions, empires, and modern times.
Birmingham Open
The Birmingham Open was a professional golf tournament held annually at various courses in and around Birmingham, England. It was part of the European Tour schedule from 1972 to 1978, with notable winners including Peter Oosterhuis and Brian Barnes. The event helped showcase the region’s golf courses on an international stage before being discontinued.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, a sovereign state comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has a rich history shaped by events like the union of its constituent countries over centuries and the expansion of the British Empire. It is known for landmarks such as Big Ben and Stonehenge, and its cultural influence spans literature, music, and democracy. Today, the UK remains a global hub for finance and education, blending its ancient heritage with modern innovation.
Southeast Asian Games
The Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) is a biennial multi-sport event involving 11 countries in Southeast Asia. It was established in 1959, originally known as the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, with the first edition hosted by Thailand in Bangkok. The event promotes regional unity, friendship, and athletic excellence, and has grown to include a wide range of traditional and modern sports.
Thailand
Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a Southeast Asian country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and vibrant traditions. Its history includes the rise of powerful kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which flourished from the 13th to 18th centuries before evolving into the modern constitutional monarchy it is today. As the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by European powers, Thailand maintains a unique blend of ancient customs and contemporary influences.
