Sania edges out Peer to advance in Pacific Open

India’s top ranked women’s tennis player Sania Mirza continued her great run and domination over World Number 18 Shahar Peer as she outplayed her opponent in the intriguing third round clash of the Pacific Life Open being held at Indian Wells.

Sania kept her record-slate clean against Sahar Peer, as this was her fourth career win over Peer in as many outings. Sania now faces Daniela Hantuchova in the fourth round. Fifth seed Hantuchova outclassed China's Zheng Jie 6-4, 6-2.

Sania battled her way hard to register a deserving three set 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory over her Israeli counterpart. Sania came back strongly after losing the first set in a tie-breaker, before edging out Peer in a keenly contested second set 7-5.

After levelling the terms in the second set, Sania run through the decider with an absolute domination. She pocketed the third set 6-3 in a one-sided affair to finish off with a 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 scoreline.

"We always play tough encounters, but ultimately it's about finding the path to success," Sania said after the match.

Ranked 32nd in the world, Sania said that she was pleased that she could be able to bounce back in time after losing the tight first set to regain her focus.