Mahak shocks higher-ranked Russian Yana in Mumbai Open

India's Mahak Jain pulled off a surprise three-set win over higher ranked Yana Sizikova to enter the second and last qualifying round of the USD 125,000 WTA L&T Mumbai Open tennis championship Saturday.

Seventeen-year-old wild card Mahak, who hails from Bhopal, put her first serves in on a consistent basis to get past her Russian rival, seeded sixth in the qualifiers, 3-6 6-3 7-5 in 2 hours and 18 minutes to get into the second qualifying round in the singles.

The Russian, with a world rank of 374, blew hot and cold on her serve as she hit seven aces, but also committed eight double faults, that helped the Indian to fight her way back.

Mahak, ranked a distant 658 in the world, will take on second seed Hiroko Kuwata on Sunday for a place in the 32-strong singles main draw commencing on October 29.

Also through to the second qualifying round was Pranjala Yadlapalli, seeded third in this phase, who put out compatriot Mihika Yadav quite easily 6-3 6-0.

Pranjala will take