Sania misses ASB Classic`s main draw bus

Auckland: Sania Mirza put up a brave fight before losing the third and final round of the qualifying event of ASB Classic to former world number 23 Sabine Lisicki.

Sania`s 1-6, 7-6 (7), 6-7 (5) defeat after two hours and 20 minutes battle at the packed centre court means that she won`t compete in the main draw of the USD 220,000 event. Sania shrugged off a sluggish start to regroup and challenge her German opponent with some good overall game.Sania overcame an early break of serve in the second set which she stretched to the tie-break and levelled the scores. The third set also went the full distance with Sania having an upper hand with a 5-2 lead in the tie-breaker but nerves got the better of him and the Indian lost it. An unforced error by Sania at five-all handed the German her first match point and she converted that without that any fuss.Sania came into the tournament after a singles title win at the Dubai WTA event and today`s defeat also ended her seven-match win streak. PTI