World number six Samantha Stosur is out of the Indian Wells tournament after suffering a third-set tiebreak defeat to Nadia Petrova in California.
The reigning US Open champion started slowly and the experienced Russian capitalised by coasting to a 6-1 win in the first set.
Stosur then showed great determination to reply and take the second set in an 8-6 tiebreak.
However the Australian's poor record against Petrova was to continue as the 33-year-old took the crucial shootout 7-5 after the final set went with serve.
Petrova's 6-1 6-7 7-6 win - her fourth career victory over Stosur - secured her place in the fourth round.
Written by
Joe Fish
Joe Fish
