Bad Day for Sania

Ekaterina Bychkova of Russia followed up her magnificent performance at the US Open by ousting eight-seeded Sania Mirza of India 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the $225 000 (about R1,4-million) WTA Wismilak International tennis tournament on Tuesday.

The Russian outpaced her opponent in the fiercely-contested rallies to earn an unlikely victory. Although her ranking was boosted by a victory in New York over ailing compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova, Bychkova had previously made virtually no impact at any level in her two years on the tennis circuit.

However, rising star Mirza failed to find any consistency, and Bychkova was happy to take advantage of a below-par opponent.

Bychkova made history when she ousted defending champion Kuznetsova in the opening match of the US Open.

"I wasn't really in it from the beginning," said Mirza. "She played a good match. I think I was really rusty. I was just not in my rhythm."

--- I had expected Sania to win, as would any Indian, but i think that i am asking too mush. Hope that sania keeps her good form for the Calcutta matches, as always indians will want her to WIN. Best Wishes Sania