Sania storms into semi-final after thrilling win

Hyderabad, Feb 10 (IANS) Continuing her dream run, Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza Thursday stormed into the semi-final of the $140,000 WTA Hyderabad Open after beating Israel's Tzipora Obziler in a tough contest. Bouncing back strongly after losing the first set, Sania defeated Oblizer 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). It was a thrilling quarterfinal with both players refusing to give up till the last minute. In the clash of nerves, the 18-year-old Hyderabad girl finally emerged victorious in the tiebreak. Sania -- the only Indian girl to reach the third round of a grand slam event at the Australian Open recently -- set the stands afire at the centre court of the SAAP sports complex here with her breathtaking performance.

Braving an ankle injury, she displayed an aggressive game in the second set to ensure the equaliser.

In the decider, it was Obziler who initially had the upper hand. Down 0-3, Sania came back strongly and won five consecutive games before being challenged again by the world number 115.

Oblizer refused to give up and forced a tiebreak, which proved equally pulsating.

Sania, playing despite not being fully fit, will take on Maria Kirilenko of Russia in the semi-final.

http://www.keralanext.com/news/indexread.asp?id=111622