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Sania's Sunfeast participation unsure
Deepti Patwardhan
September 12, 2007

Sania Mirza and Shah Rukh KhanSania Mirza did little to dispel the doubts over her participation at next week's Sunfeast Open, saying she could keep the decision pending till the morning of her first match at the WTA Tier III event in Kolkata.

"As of now, I'm playing," said Sania, in Mumbai on Wednesday.

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The tennis ace along with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan [Images] unveiled the Sunfeast Trophy at a function in the city, which began more than two hours later than scheduled.

"I will make the final decision on Sunday, Monday or on the morning I'm scheduled to play. I haven't hit any balls since coming back (from the US Open) but I'll be on court in a couple of days and see how it goes."

Sania, who obviously remains the attraction of the tournament, will feature alongside Daniela Hantuchova [Images] of Slovakia, Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli of France [Images] and Russian Maria Kirilenko in Kolkata.

The Hyderabadi enjoyed a successful run in the US Open hard-court series and said the biggest highlight was her success against defensive players like Swiss Patty Schnyder.

"I have lost with players who are defensive, so beating her was a positive. But at the same time I lost to (Anna) Chakvetadze thrice. I am still trying to work out how to play with her. In tennis, you learn on a daily basis and all of us are trying to improve all the time."

As for Shah Rukh Khan, he commended Sania's pursuit in women's tennis, saying it is one sport he could never get the hang of.

He was also gracious in accepting the accolades Chak De! India has received, but said that the film should not be seen as the reason behind the Indian hockey team's recent success in the Asia Cup.

"I wouldn't want to take the credit away from our hockey team. The hockey team is not improving because of the movie; it is always the other way round. It's people like Sania Mirza [Images] and our hockey players who inspire films."



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