Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Li defeated Clijsters only a few weeks ago in Sydney but competing in an Open final, with three titles less to her name than her opponent, was always going to be harder.
After being broken early on, Li found the impressive form she has shown throughout the whole competition and turned the set around, taking three games in a row to win it 6-3.
Clijsters fought back strongly in the second set and her use of the overhead lob worked well, with Li unable to scramble back quickly enough time after time. Li, however, battled strongly and four successive breaks saw the balance of the match swing with each service game. Clijster’s powerful and accurate hitting soon enabled her to take control and she claimed the second set 6-3.
With the match level at one set each, nerves were bound to set in for both women. Li made twice as many unforced errors as Clijsters and then a double fault gave Clijsters a break and the lead in the deciding set. She held serve convincingly and won the final set 6-3 to claim the title for the first time ever.
Clijsters adds the Australian Open title to her three US Open titles and the victory will move her up into second in the world rankings. Having returned from a two-year retirement last year, Clijsters looks fit and back to her best but hinted that this may be her last full year. For Li, a fantastic tournament sees her become China’s first Grand Slam singles finalist and she is definitely one to watch in the major competitions this year.
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