Injury-prone Sania slips two places to 47, Sharapova toppled

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) A torn ligament took its toll on the top-seeded Indian tennis sensation's ranking as Sania Mirza slipped two places to 47 in the latest Women's singles list released today.

The Indian tennis ace had to pull out of the Qatar Open following the knee injury she suffered during her first match victory over Italy's Romina Oprandi 6-4, 6-3 last month.

Meanwhile, Belgian Henine Hardine put an end to Russian Maria Sharapova's brief stay at the top of the charts while Daniela Hantuchova was the biggest mover, climbing up from the 18th to the 12th spot after claiming the title at Indian Wells, California yesterday.

Sania, who has been plagued by ankle injuries regularly, tore a ligament in her right knee this time and was advised four weeks of rehabilitation by her doctors.

The 20-year-old Hyderabadi player's injuries and her dismal performances in recent times has seen her ranking fall steadily.

In the season-opening Australian Open in January, she reached the 2nd round and her ranking went up to 32.

She was also in prime form at the Pattaya Open last month, where she clocked her best performance of the year, reaching the quarter-finals but then lost to eventual winner Yaroslava Shvedova in the second round itself in Bangalore.

Injuries kept her out of action in November although at the Doha Asian games, Sania stormed into the finals.

Last year she made a 1st round exit at Wimbledon and in the French Open, she carshed out in the first round itself which severely affected her rankings.

UNI