Organisers rue Sania Mirza's unavailability for Dubai tourney

Organisers of the seventh Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge are disappointed after failing in their attempts to have Indian ace Sania Mirza in the 75,000 dollar event from January 12 to 18.

Though they have received over 270 entries so far, the organisers said it would have been great to have Sania in the tournament which will be held at the Al Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa tennis courts.

Tournament Referee Hany El Khafief said the event would have been a perfect build up to the Australia Open but Sania was pre-occupied with other plans.

''Mirza intends to travel to Australia to train there during the entire month of December before the season opens in January,'' he revealed.

Hoping Sania's absence won't take sheen off the event, he said, ''Still the lineup is strong enough to offer a good show for tennis enthusiasts.'' The field included three players from the top 50, he informed.

Tournament director Farid Al Jayyussi was also elated with the record entry.

''We are very happy with the number of players who have shown interest to participate in the tournament. It reflects the good job we have done over the past years and that is why they want to come back with their families and friends,'' he was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.