Sania looking for more happy returns in KL

Malaysia holds many good memories for India’s tennis ace Sania Mirza.

Not only has she played on Malaysian soil during her junior years, she has also visited the country many times for holidays with her family.

“Malaysia is one of the best places to visit for vacations,” said the 23-year-old, who flew in yesterday morning.

The Indian icon will make an appearance in the two-day Showdown of Champions 2009 – The Glam Slam at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam from tomorrow.

In the exhibition tournament, billed as Asia versus Russia, Sania will partner Zheng Jie (world No. 36) of China against Elena Dementieva (world No. 5) and Maria Kirilenko (world No. 62).

Family outing: Sania Mirza (right), sister Anam Mirza and father Imran Aziz at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.

“I am looking forward to playing in this tournament. I’ve never partnered Zheng Jie before and I hope to get the crowd to cheer us on,” she said.

Currently ranked 58th in the world, Sania started playing tennis at the age of six, coached by her father Imran Aziz Mirza.

She reached a career high thus far when she won her first Grand Slam title with Mahesh Bhuphati in the mixed doubles event of this year’s Australian Open.

“Next year I will be at a crucial stage of my career as I aim to make it into the top 20 in the singles rankings,” she said.

source:thestar