Sania bows out in first round

After a string of fine performances, Sania Mirza's juggernaut interrupted with her first round exit in the USA 585,000 WTA JP Morgan Chase Open tennis tournament in Carson in Los Angeles, USA.

Sania, who is suffering from a stomach muscle pull, gave a tough fight by stretching the match to three sets before losing 3-6, 6-1, 4-6 against Iveta Benesova of Czech Repulblic, according to information received in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Benesova, ranked 51, has wins against the likes of Elena Jankovic (no. 18), Nicole Vaidisova (no. 27), Shuai Peng (no. 32) and Nuria Llagostera-Vives (no. 44), this year.

The 18-year-old Indian has shot up to 49th position from 70 in the WTA rankings after her creditable run during the last three weeks.

Sania has already opted out of next week's Roger's Cup in Canada to be in proper condition before the US Open Grand Slam starting on August 29.

- Sania Mirza homepage