Tennis: Sania moves into 2nd round

July 20, 2006

Sania Mirza hardly broke a sweat as a recurring shoulder strain to her opponent Alexandra Stevenson smoothened her passage to the second round of the singles at the USD 175,000 WTA Tour event in Cincinnati, USA, on Tuesday.

The 19-year old Indian was up 6-1 2-0 when the local girl, a lucky loser, threw in the towel.

The Hyderabadi lass, world no. 40, next faces Emma Laine of Finland. The 66th ranked Laine scored a minor upset, ousting Sybille Bammer of Austria (44) 6-3 6-1.