Alex Eala stunned by Chinese qualifier as losing run continues in Wuhan

Eala took the opening set against the 21-year-old, but Shi raised her level to take the next two sets and continue the Filipina's star's worrying form on the Asian swing, which included another first-round exit in Singapore.

It's been a difficult period for Eala after a strong run of form earlier in the year, which included reaching Wimbledon's fourth round, as well as her first title at the Washington Open.

Eala has confirmed she will play the Hong Kong Open, which takes place at the beginning of November.

As she has not qualified for the WTA Finals at the end of the season, it is very likely that the tournament could be Eala's last competitive appearance of the year.

Meanwhile, it was another big win for Shi - her third straight win over a top-100 opponent in Wuhan, having entered the tournament as a qualifier without a top 100 win to her name.

"I'm really excited now because my opponent, their ranking is [No. 19]," Shi told reporters. "I think I played really well today, and we also played a very good match. I'm so happy to win this match."

"I tried to be patient and play my best tennis. I tried my best on the court, and I tried to save every ball."

Shi gave notice of her talent in Beijing two weeks ago, when she pushed eventual champion Zheng Qinwen to three sets in the first round.

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