Filipina tennis player Stefi Aludo. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Filipina netter Stefi Aludo is the first-ever winner of a WTA matchup here in the Philippines.
As Manila hosts the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open, with the qualifying round commencing Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, Aludo overwhelmed fellow Filipina Angeline Alcala, 6-1, 6-0, in the first round.
Aludo is a 17-year-old player from Agusan del Sur, studying at Seibo College in Malabon.
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She did not let Alcala taste the lead, starting with a forehand shot, and ended with the same play to move on in the qualifiers.
Aludo faces Sakura Hosogi next, with the schedule yet to be announced, as of writing.
Also at press time, Filipina Louraine Jallorina battles Peangtarn Plipuech of Thailand for a chance to go deeper in the qualifying tournament.
Tennis ace Alex Eala, meanwhile, will play at the main draw starting Monday.