MIRZA – HUBER duo topple STEPHENS – KIM in doubles

In a captivating two set match Sania Mirza along with partner Liezel Huber upset Shelly Stephens and Jim Hee Kim 6-2, 7-6 (10). Huber who holds a doubles ranking of 11 on the WTA Tour made a fitting duo with Sania Mirza, taking the first set against their opponents with ease. During a post match autograph signing session at the Mercedes Benz stall at the ‘ING Vysya Hyderabad Open 2004’, Huber said she finds playing in Hyderabad a lot like the environment back home in Durban. With crowds milling to receive autographs from the match winning duo, Hyderabad echoed its enthusiasm of its craze about the city’s tennis starlet Sania.

In an earlier match defending champion Tamarine Tanasugarn overthrew Shahar Peer 6-3, 6-2. Center-court at the S.A.A.P tennis complex saw graceful effort of strength, and a high powered match resulting in Peer’s collapse. Tamarine said “I find my opponent Peer to be in good form and am excited at the prospect of moving on to the next round with this win.” Tamarine after her victory participated in a road race on center court with radio controlled SL Class model Mercedes Benz vehicles, much to the elated jubilation of the spectators.

With the momentum building up at the ING Vysya Hyderabad Open 2004, the following days should have the courts see battles of high caliber performance, creating some must watch tennis.