Sania's dream run comes to a halt

New Delhi: Sania Mirza's runs at the Moorilla International in Hobart was halted by world number 13 Russian Anna Chakvetadze in the semi-final on Thursday.

After a dream run of form, Sania bowed out in the semis 4-6, 1-6 in her season-opening event ahead of the Australian Open that starts on January 15.

Sania stunned the packed stadium in Hobart on Wednesday when she downed home favourite Alicia Molik in a tough encounter.

Former world No 1 Serena Williams, too, was ousted of the same tournament in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The final of the event will see an all Russian clash between Chakvetadze up against unseeded qualifier Vasilisa Bardina who beat Sybille Bammer of Austria in straight sets earlier.