Bhupathi, Sania launch Sunfeast WTA Open

A RICH FEAST: Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi pose with the mascot of the Sunfeast-WTA Open. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

BANGALORE: The organiser, `Globosport' called it "tennis on the street." Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza played out a lively promotional contest here on Monday for the Sunfeast-WTA Open tennis championship, scheduled to be held in Kolkata in September.

The `match', a best of three tie-breakers of five points each, was played on a makeshift court laid between the imposing Vidhana Soudha and the new legislature building Vikas Soudha here and for the record, Bhupathi won 5-1, 2-5, 5-1.

The two exchanged some sizzling strokes and lively banter while a sizeable crowd rooted for Mirza, who did catch Bhupathi on the wrong foot with couple neat backhand volleys.

Pitching in

Later, speaking to the media, Bhupathi said "it is a nice way to get the Sunfeast WTA Open on the road and I am glad Sania pitched in to play this tie."

Commenting on the tournament, Bhupathi, who heads `Globosport', said that he expected some big names to play there and it would be premature to confirm the list.

"It is going to a bigger and better show than the Hyderabad Open, I can promise you that," he said.

On his mixed doubles triumph at Wimbledon, he said, "it is truly satisfying whenever you win a big one and winning a Slam is a rewarding experience."

He said that sometime during the season, he would team up with Leander Paes for some events and added that he would decide, along with Paes, on the events later,

Mirza said that she was happy with her performances and added that she felt there was scope for more improvement, given her goal of making it to the top 50.

The Hyderabad lass however said she felt she could work on consistency, which was what really counted on the international scene.

Mirza, who plans to play a few tournaments in the U.S., before the U.S. Open, said that she would decide on having a touring coach after getting to America.

She said she would find a place in the main draw of the Kolkata event.

"Obviously, it is going to be a very challenging affair; far tougher than the Hyderabad event. I do look forward to playing my best."

To a suggestion that they team up for mixed doubles, Mahesh Bhupathi smiled and said "it is too early to think on that and obviously, she has her goals in singles and we can come to that later."

On her part, Sania said, it would be an honour to partner Mahesh at a later stage.