Third-seeded Solana Sierra parried Lanlana Tararudee’s upset try in their quarterfinal match in the Philippine Women’s Open Thursday, Jan. 29.
Solana Sierra denied Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee, 6-3, 6-4, to become the third player to reach the semifinals of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center Thursday, Jan. 29.
Sierra, ranked 63rd in the world, filled the semis spot in Alex Eala’s bracket — meaning she faces the Filipina sensation next should she take care of business against Colombian Camila Osorio in her side of the quarterfinals in the last match of the night.
[RELATED STORY: LIVE UPDATES | Alex Eala takes on Camila Osorio in Philippine Women's Open QF]
Sierra emerged victorious against a gritty Tararudee in the opening set,where her serve was broken in the sixth game to find herself deadlocked against the Thai netter at 3-all.
Lanlana Tararudee | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
The 21-year-old broke Tararudee’s serve twice, including in the ninth game to take the opening set, 6-3, after 36 minutes.
Then, Sierra adjusted further to the Thai’s game, establishing an early lead after breaking Tararudee’s serve, 2-0, in Set 2.
But Tararudee wasn't one to go down without a fight. From being down 2-5, she prevailed in back-to-back games after breaking Sierra's serve to make things interesting, 4-5.
However, Sierra broke right back to claim victory and punch her ticket to the next round.
Tatian Prozorova and Donna Vekic kick off action Friday, Jan. 30, with the first game beginning at 3 p.m. at Center Court, with Sierra’s semifinal against either Eala or Osorio next.
[RELATED STORY: Donna Vekic through to Philippine Women’s semifinals after clipping Lin Zhu]
Fil-American Sabrina Santamaria and partner Quinn Gleason against Eudice Chong and Liang En-shuo will clash in the women’s doubles final.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.