Sania’s poor run continues

NEW DELHI: In yet another disappointing performance, Sania Mirza failed to qualify for the Hastings Directs International tennis championships losing her first round qualifying tie in Eastbourne, England. Sania, who lost to Jalena Jankovic in the second round of the DFS Classic last week, could not find a place in the main draw of the Tier II grass court event as she suffered a 1-6 7-6 (6) 5-7 defeat against Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, ranked 64. Sania had five match points, two while she was at 5-2 in the second and three more at 5-2 in the decider, but her opponent came back strongly to turn the tables on her, according to information received here. The Thai girl reached the second round of the qualifying event ahead of the main tournament to be played from June 13 to 18 at the Devonshire Park. The Indian, whose WTA rankings has slipped to 75th from 70th following her first round exit in the French Open, was here to tune up for Wimbledon Grand Slam by participating in the grasscourt championships.