Sania one win away from Australian Open main draw

Melbourne, Jan 15 (PTI) Sania Mirza overcame a fightingVitalia Diatchenko in a tough three-setter to storm into thethird and final round of women''s singles qualifying event ofthe Australian Open here today.

The 24th seed Indian scored a 6-4 6-7(9) 6-3 in one hour46 minutes in the second round.

The 145th ranked Sania will next face Canada''s StephanieDubois.

Sania dropped her serve twice in the opening set butsaved five other and managed to convert three of the six breakchances she got.

The second set was more closely fought as the Russiangirl raised her game and went all out against Sania.

Diatchenko earned 10 break points and converted three ofthem, same as Sania, but the set was decided through atie-breaker in which the Russian prevailed.

Both the players struggled with their first serve and itall boiled down to who could cash more on the mistakes of therival.

Sania dropped her serve twice but converted four of thesix chances to seal her berth in the final round.