Clijsters beats Hingis to regain top ranking

MARTINA HINGIS found out yesterday that she can still slug it out with the best. She also knows she still has a way to go to get back to the top.

Second-seeded Kim Clijsters, overcoming a rash of mistakes, ended Hingis’ dramatic comeback run at the Australian Open, winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals and take over the No. 1 ranking.

“It’s been a long time since I played her,” Clijsters said after Hingis, a three-time champion here, exited the Rod Laver Arena to a loud ovation. “She’s improved a lot since she was at her best.”