Sania Mirza out of Fed Cup

PERTH: India's chances of reaching the next stage of the Federation Cup have been dealt a major blow with the late withdrawal of Sania Mirza.India's top-ranked female player, having reached a peak of 27 in late 2007, Mirza was expected to spearhead India's challenge in the Asia-Oceania play-offs here this week. However, she was back in India when her reduced three-woman side started their first tie against New Zealand here on Wednesday.Mirza's comeback from the wrist problems that dogged her in 2008 gathered momentum when she combined with Mahesh Bhupathi to win the mixed doubles at the Australian Open -- becoming the first Indian woman to win a grand slam title in the process. She was named in the four-strong Indian Fed Cup squad for the play-offs, but cited a stomach strain for her withdrawal