Sania Mirza becomes first Indian to reach third round

There was mixed luck for Asian players at the Australian Open yesterday as Indian wildcard Sania Mirza (picture) and Chinese Li Na both made it through to the third round while the last two men were eliminated.

Asia's highest ranked man, Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, was upset by Finland Jarkko Nieminen while Japanese qualifier Takao Suzuki fell to world number one Roger Federer after a brave effort on the Melbourne Park centre court.

While there are no Asian men left in the main singles draw after just three days of the first grand slam of the year, there are still five women remaining.

Mirza, who was awarded a wildcard reserved just for Asian players, became the first Indian woman to reach the third round of a grand slam when she beat Petra Mandula of Hungary 6-2 6-1.

The 18-year-old Mirza, who won the Wimbledon junior doubles two years ago, plays Serena Williams in the next round.

China's Peng Shuai, who is still an amateur and gives part of her prize-money to the Chinese tennis federation, plays Venus Williams on the centre court today hoping to join Mirza and Li in the third round.