Kim Clijsters let five match points slip away in the second set before advancing to the US Open final with a hard-fought 6-2 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 win over top seed Maria Sharapova at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

American Lindsay Davenport’s stay at the US Open came to an unexpected and disappointing end in the quarter-finals.

THE Ellesse Women’s Irish Open Championship entered its second day at Castleknock yesterday with Karen Nugent capturing the admiration of all during a rain interrupted day.

US Open runner-up Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open with injuries.