Sania back from injury with help from Yuvraj Singh

[minisoji]

HONG KONG: Sania Mirza said on Monday she had recovered from a "career-threatening" injury with help from top cricketer Yuvraj Singh. A beaming Mirza was delighted to be back on court after the painful wrist problem which forced her out of the Beijing Olympics in tears and left her unable even to lift a fork to eat.

Mirza is taking part in the World Team Challenge exhibition event following treatment recommended by her friend Yuvraj.

"Coming back from a career-threatening injury makes it very special to be back," said Mirza.

"Suddenly, from a professional athlete, you become someone who can't pick up a fork," she said.

"I'm just living in the moment and I'm just happy to be back."

The 22-year-old, who reached a career-high ranking of 27 in August 2007, plummeted down the rankings last year as injury blighted her season and is now ranked 100.

The World Team Challenge, from January 7-10, features four teams representing Europe, Russia, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Players include world number one Jelena Jankovic, Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, world number seven Vera Zvonareva and China's top player, Zheng Jie.

The Australian Open, the first of the season's four Grand Slams, starts on January 19.

[plotastic]

It's good to see that, hopefully things stay the way they are than.:)