Sania crashes out in first round

Sania Mirza made a shocking first round exit from the Rogers Cup, losing to Italian qualifier Alberta Brianti 6-2, 1-6, 2-6, in the WTA 1,340,000 dollar event in Montreal.

The Indian lost her way after winning the first set against the fighting Italian, who was quick to take advantage of Sania's shortcomings and turn the match in her favour and advance into the second round of the tier I event.

Sania got off to a flying start as she ran away with the opening set. However, she was taken by surprise by Alberta in the second set, which turned the tide.

The Hyderabadi teen was once again let down by her poor serve, which allowed the Italian to stage a dramatic comeback. The world number 44 dropped serve and managed to win just a point before Alberta took the match into a third set.

A resurgent Alberta, having got her rhythm back with the second set win, dashed Sania's comeback hopes with a fluent game in the decider.

This was Sania's second successive first round exit after she lost her opening match in the Los Angeles Open last week.

The Indian will now team up with Poland's Marta Domachowska in the doubles competition and face the Italian-American pair of Tathiana Garbin and Meilen Tu today.

The Italian will meet No.14 Katarina Srebotnik from Slovenia, who ousted Dutchwoman Michaella Krajicek 6-3, 7-5.

Nathalie Dechy also rallied to reach the second round, outlasting Israeli qualifier Tzipora Obziler 6-7(3-7), 6-2, 6-1.

The French veteran next faces No.15 seed Maria Kirilenko from Russia, who defeated Jelena Kostanic from Croatia 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.

Mara Santangelo meanwhile rallied to eliminate Austrian Sybille Bammer 6-7(2-7), 6-4, 6-2 and set up a second-round match against No.7 seed Martina Hingis.