Eala fends off Sakkari, enters Hong Kong final

MANILA, Philippines -- Fending off multiple rain-induced delays and a tough-fighting Maria Sakarri in the semifinal, Alex Eala emerged on top with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 win to enter the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open final in China Saturday. World No. 17 and tournament No. 2 seed Eala won two straight games to finish off world No. 30 Sakarri who came back from 1-4 down in the third set.  Wrapping up her semifinal match in two hours and 43 minutes, Eala advances to the final to face world No. 102 Claire Liu on Sunday. Liu defeated world No. 136 Alexandra Shubladze in their semis clash, 7-5, 6-4.