Sania struggles before advancing to round two at DFS Classic

Birmingham, Jun 13 (UNI) Fourteenth seed Sania Mirza was stretched to three sets by Alona Bondarenko before the Indian star quelled a spirited resistance from her Ukranian rival to advance into second round of the 200,000 dollar DFS Classic here today.

Brilliant in pathces, Sania won the match 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

The Hyderabadi, who faced round one exit in the French Open singles event, seemed determined to prove a point on the grass court and broke her rival thrice to race away with the first set with a 6-2 scoreline.

However, the Ukranian raised her game in the second set while Sania's form hit a sudden slump. The Indian committed an error too many and Alona wasted no time to take the set 6-3 and draw parity.

Shaken out of her comfort zone, world No 41 Sania displayed nerves and held her serve to win the set 6-3 and seal the match.

The Indian will take on Shenay Perry of US who defeated compatriot Jill Craybas yesterday.

UNI XC DH PDS HT1917