Sania Mirza crashes out

June 20, 2006

Sania Mirza's preparations for the Wimbledon received a setback when she lost 6-7(7), 6-2, 4-6 to Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic in the first round of the $175,000 Ordina Open at 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, on Sunday.

The 19-year old, who jumped three places to 38 in World rankings after reaching the third round of DFS Classic in Birmingham last week, was at the receiving end of some dubious overrules by the chair umpire, according to information received here on Monday.

Sania, leading 4-2 in the first set tie-break, served an ace which was belatedly turned into a `fault' by the chair and the point was awarded to Benesova. The umpire made another overrule against Sania when she hit a clear winner on the far side of the court on set point in the same tie-break.

The Indian bounced back to wrap up the second set before conceding the next set and match.

Meanwhile, Sania will be partnering Holland's Michaella Krajicek in the women's doubles of the Wimbledon Grand Slam beginning next week.