Sherif becomes first Egyptian to reach a WTA last-eight

Mayar Sherif on Thursday became the first Egyptian woman to reach the quarterfinals of a WTA tournament when she defeated Alexandra Eala of the Philippines at Cluj in Romania.

Sherif, ranked 119 in the world, eased to a 6-2, 6-2 second round victory over her 16-year-old opponent who was making her debut in the main draw of a top-level event.

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The 25-year-old Sherif, a former United States college player, will face eighth-seeded Kristina Kucova for a place in the semifinals.

Kucova, ranked 118, defeated Irina Maria Bara of Romania 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5) in her second round tie at the claycourt event.