Sania Mirza moved in to the second and final round of the qualifying event of the Sony Ericsson Open, a WTA Premier event, with a straight set victory over 18th seed Irina Falconi.

Sania faced stiff resistance from the American in the first set before pulling of a 7-6 (4), 6-0, win in one hour and 18 minutes.

Sania broke the World No 100 thrice each in both sets.

Sania will not fight it out with American 10th seed and World No 90 Sloan Stephens for a place in the main draw of the elite event. A total of 12 main draw berths are available from the qualifying event.

Sania had missed out on a main draw berth at Indian Wells event, another WTA Premier event. However she did well in the doubles by reaching the finals with Elena Vesnina.

Photograph: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters