Shikha Uberoi fails to qualify for Cincinnati Open main draw

Cincinnati, July 17 (UNI) A day after her sister Neha crashed out of the event, US-based Indian Shikha Uberoi too failed to make to the main draw of the Cincinnati Open here.

It was end of all roads for the Boca Raton-based Fed Cupper who was handed a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 defeat by American Abigail Spears in the second round of the qualifying singles match.

Shikha could not settle into any rhythm before she lost the first set but a spirited comeback saw her grabbing the second to force the decider. But in the third set, she looked a bit jaded as her American rival walked away with the set and the match.

Earlier, Neha, representing USA, lost 2-6, 2-6 to Carly Gullickson in the first round of singles qualifiers in the WTA tier III event.

Sania Mirza is the lone Indian in the main draw and the Hyderabadi teen meets fifth seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the first round of the 175,000 dollar event.

UNI XC AY DH KN1757