Sania's withdraws from Sunfeast Open in Kolkata

New Delhi: Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza on Monday withdrew from the WTA Sunfeast Open to be held in Kolkata.

"I was really looking forward to participating at Sunfeast Open 2007. I am very upset that this injury is keeping me away from the courts," Sania said in a statement.

Sania Mirza on Monday disappeared after hitting the ball for eight minutes in a practice court in the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, and promptly withdrew from the tournament hours later.

Sania wished her Indian counterparts in the tournament and her fans in Kolkata well. "My fans have always been very supportive and I was keen to perform well in Kolkata. I wish all the players especially the Indian compatriots a great and exciting tournament."

Sania was caught by the lensmen on Monday morning on the barge during a "river tennis" extravaganza, showing a little discomfort while warming up.

As the day progressed and with no confirmation on the 20-year-old Hyderabadi's participation, speculations were rife that she could skip the current edition of the Sunfeast Open.

However, in the evening Sania arrived at the Court No. 1 and began to practice, but the show was soon over after the camera persons made a mad scramble for a snap.

Sania was seen walking out rolling her wrist in obvious discomfort along with Federation Cup coach Enrico Piperno.

It was still not confirmed whether Sania, ranked 27th in the WTA singles, will play .

However, after arriving in Kolkata on Sunday night Sania had said, "I will need to practice tomorrow to see how my wrist feels. Only after that will I take a decision on whether I will play or not."

Meanwhile, reiterating the same thoughts, Mahesh Bhupathi said, "As a player I know injuries are part and parcel of the game and all of us have to take it in our stride. She will practice today and take a call in the evening about her availability. We are all hoping she will recover and play."

Bhupathi also took part in an exhibition match with Sania in the middle of the river Hoogly. The two played a three game duel on a barge specially constructed for the event.

The 114-feet by 37-feet structure placed strategically between the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu provided a breathtaking view for the players.

She won her first match downing Bhupathi, who seemed too please to oblige the prodigy he discovered five years back.

(With inputs from UNI)