Sania Mirza put up a brave fight before losing the third and final round of the qualifying event of ASB Classic to former world number 23 Sabine Lisicki here today.

Sania's 1-6 7-6 (7) 6-7 (5) defeat after two hours and 20 minutes battle at the packed centre court means that she won't compete in the main draw of the USD 220,000 event.