Sania qualifies for Australian Open

Melbourne, Jan 16 (PTI) Sania Mirza booked a berth in thewomen''s singles main draw of the Australian Open with an easystraight sets victory over Canada''s Stephanie Dubois, heretoday.

The 24th seed Indian triumphed 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 13minutes in the third and final round of the qualifyingcompetition.

Sania had to go through the qualifying route due to lowranking as she has slipped to 145th spot due injuries lastseason.

Sania dropped her serve twice in the first set but theCanadian offered more chances as the Indian converted four offive to put her nose ahead.

Sania cashed in on an erratic Dubois, who faced sevenbreakpoints in the second set and the Hyderabadi convertedthree of them to seal the win.