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First Look: Sania in second round of US Open qualifiers

Last updated on: August 25, 2010 14:10 IST

Sania Mirza in action against Ksenia Lykina of RussiaIndia's Sania Mirza advanced to the second round of the US Open qualifiers after defeating Ksenia Lykina of Russia �6-2, 6-2 on Tuesday.

Sania next plays Russian Elena Bovina, who ousted 15th seed German Tatjana Malek.

Bovina came from a set down to beat Malek 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-1 in her opening round match.

This is the first time since her breakthrough year in 2005 that Sania is having to go through the qualifiers to play in a Grand Slam.

She is grappling with injuries since 2008 and her ranking has plummeted in the last two years. Poor form and a recurring wrist injury has seen her singles ranking drop to 160.

Meanwhile, Somdev Devvarman is all set to make a direct entry into the men's singles draw of the US Open after breaking into top-100.

There are 16 places up for grabs in the qualifying event for the main draw, starting August 30.

Image: Mohammed Jaffer/Snapsindia