Crowd favourite Sania Mirza [Images] has opted out of the WTA Sunfeast Kolkata Open because of a wrist injury. Her absence will surely rob the US $175,000 tournament of much of its glamour.

"We regret to inform you that Sania Mirza has withdrawn from the Sunfeast Open because of her right wrist sprain," WTA Tour supervisor Fabrice Choquet said in Kolkata on Monday.

The world No 27, who was seeded third, expressed disappointment at not being able to play.

"I was really looking forward to participating at Sunfeast Open 2007. I am very upset that this injury is keeping me away from the courts.

"My fans have always been very supportive and I was keen to perform well in Kolkata. I wish all the players, especially the Indian compatriots a great and exciting tournament," said Sania in a statement.

The Indian ace has also withdrawn from the Korean Open, scheduled to begin in Seoul from September 24. However, she is hoping to recover in time for the Tokyo Open, which begins on October 1.

Photograph: AFP/Getty Images