Sanguine Sania looks forward to a better 2007

Bangalore, Dec 18 (UNI) Putting aside the 2006 season debacle, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza is looking forward to a bright 2007 and is confident of coming up with a much better show.

Just back from the Doha Asian Games, in which she bagged the mixed doubles gold with Leander Paes and silver in Women's singles, Sania told newspersons here today that she was in good form and had no nagging injury problems.

Referring to her performance this year, she said there was bound to be ups and downs, but the year had been good. She was elated over the Asian Games performance.

Off to Australia later this month for the Hopman Cup, Sania, who was here in connection with the announcement of Sony Ericsson WTA International to be played in February next year, said she would play in a tournament before the Australian Open. ''Beyond that, I have not looked for now,'' she added.

She was also excited about her participation in the Sony Ericsson WTA international here in February.

Sania, who saw her ranking slump to 65 from 31 in 2005, said age was on her side and she would continue to concentrate on the singles event. ''I am a singles player, though I give equal importance to doubles.'' Ranked 24th in doubles, she said she would continue to venture into doubles events as much as she could and as much as her body permitted.

On partnering Paes in mixed doubles, she said it was after six years that she had live as a doubles partner and played alongside him at Doha for only the second time.

UNI VK GD SAM ND1614