Yoshida Overthrows Number One Seed Obata

Yuka Yoshida today overthrew the number one seed Saori Obata in a swiftly concluded match lasting for an hour and nine minutes with a score of 6-4, 6-2. In a post match interview the 27 year old Yoshida said that “I am excited at the prospect of having overthrown the number one seed player”. Yoshida who previously played against Obata 4 years ago stated “it was my mental strength and Zen which enabled me to overcome Obata”. Speaking later Obata said “my service was lacking in strength and I was not in the right mental state for this game. I hope to recover my points at Dubai next”

In the previous match on the center-court at the S.A.A.P. stadium at Hyderabad, Isha Lakhani put up an excellent effort against Jelena Kostanic, although Isha – ranked number one in India, fell to Kostanic 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Jelena said “I was fighting to keep up with Isha who picked up the game in the second set and it took a great deal of effort to pull back my game to beat her. We both have a strong forehand and the match was exhausting.”

The schedule for Tuesday, the 17th of February has on the Center Court Sania Mirza playing against Pratt Nicole after 5 P.M. followed by Neha Uberoi fighting it out against Maria Kirilenko, and, with the following match having Ankita Bhambri vying against Marion Bartoli. This is seen as an exciting days events with consecutive matches being played by star Indian Players against some of the best names in the world. Tournament director Mr. Krishna Bhupathi said “we hope Hyderabad will turn up to support our young and upcoming tennis starlets”. With spectator entry free for the duration of the tournament, there is little doubt that Hyderabad will bolster its Image as the sporting capital of India with a packed stadium.”