Sania's dream run cut short at semifinals

Hobart, Jan 11 (UNI) Wild card Sania Mirza's dream run finally came to an end with a semifinal defeat as the Hyderabadi ace went down to top seeded Russian Anna Chakvetadze in straight sets at the 170,000 dollar Hobart International here today.

Sania started well but eventually ran out of steam and the Russian gradually asserted herself and chalked out a comprehensive 6-4, 6-1 win in one hour and 29 minutes.

In the final, Anna meets compatriot and qualifier Vasilisa Bardina, who beat Sybille Bammer 6-3 6-1 in the other semifinal.

Sania looked quite impressive in the first set and the pair exchanged two breaks to be levelled 4-4 in a see-saw battle.

Anna then broke loose and served well to walk away with the first set.

Sania looked jaded in the second while Anna made a strong statement by racing to a 4-0 lead, after breaking the Indian twice in between.

Sania did manage to open her account and made it 5-1 but the Russian did not allow any comeback and cantered home for a convincing win.

UNI