Eala makes fast start as weather and transport woes hit Asian Games

The Asian Games have faced challenges with rain disrupting events and Japanese organizers dealing with accusations of mismanagement. Philippines tennis star Alexandra Eala made a fast start to her gold medal pursuit by winning her opening match in just 55 minutes against world number 517 Patcharin Cheapchandej. The top seed, ranked 18, triumphed over the Thai 6-1, 6-0, as weather delays forced the match into a smaller court. Eala will face Taiwan's Joanna Garland in the quarter-finals.

Taiwan's eighth-seeded female boxer, Joanna Garland, will meet Eala in the quarter-finals after defeating North Korea's Won Un Gyong to secure her spot in the semi-finals. The Asian Games have also witnessed other sports face disruptions, including cricket, tennis, softball, and golf, due to the persistent rain. The cricket and tennis competitions, along with softball, were postponed or delayed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Organizational chaos has also plagued the Games, with India and Pakistan advancing to the men's cricket final without playing a single match. Both teams had their quarter-finals abandoned due to rain, and the highest-seeded side was granted an automatic progression. Pakistan captain Murad Jehan criticized the mismanagement, calling it "embarrassing" for the organizers. Rain forecasts suggest that more disruptions may be in store for the Games.