ALEX Eala made a smashing return to the Asian Games stage Monday, overpowering Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej, 6-1, 6-0, to storm into the women’s singles quarterfinals.

After a first-round bye, the World No. 18 immediately went on the attack, breaking down Cheapchandej’s service game and dictating the pace with aggressive baseline play.

Eala raced to a 4-0 cushion before Cheapchandej finally broke through for a game. But the Filipina quickly shut the door, winning the next two games to take the opening set, 6-1.

The second set turned into a rout.

Eala broke early and never loosened her grip, forcing the Thai into mistakes while maintaining relentless pressure. Cheapchandej could not win another game as Eala swept the set, 6-0, to complete a dominant straight-set triumph.

The victory gave Eala a 2-0 career record against Cheapchandej. The Filipina also beat the Thai in straight sets at an ITF tournament in Chiang Rai in 2022.

With the victory, Eala moved to within one win of securing at least a bronze medal in the women’s singles competition.

The Filipina is seeking to surpass her bronze-medal finish at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.