New Haven: Mara Santangelo went from lucky loser to upset winner on Tuesday at the Pilot Pen meet, beating eighth-seeded Anastasia Myskina of Russia in three sets in the second round.

Ranked No. 40 on the WTA Tour, the 25-year-old Italian won a spot in the women’s draw despite losing in the qualifiers when Dinara Safina pulled out with an elbow injury.

Santangelo lost the first set 4-6 before taking the next two, 6-3, 6-4. Down 15-40 in the final game, she was able to serve out the set.

Former French Open champion Myskina, who has reached three finals on three different surfaces this summer, said she was also struggling with an elbow injury.

The Russian said she had not considered skipping the tournament to give the injuries more time to heal.

Fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also avoided an upset, showing some stamina in the process. she outlasted Tatiana Golovin of France 6-0, 2-6, 6-4. (Agencies)