Clijsters on top

PARIS: Kim Clijsters of Belgium is the new WTA No 1 replacing Lindsay Davenport after reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Winner Amelie Mauresmo of France is close behind Clijsters in second place with Davenport third. Maria Sharapova is at fourth position followed by Justine Henin-Hardenne, Mary Pierce and Nadia Petrova. Former No 1 Martina Hingis climbed to 117th after her successful return in Australia. — AFP

USA blank Norway

LOS ANGELES: Taylor Twellman recorded a hat-trick as the US cruised to a 5-0 victory over Norway in an international friendly. Despite being the 2005 Major League Soccer MVP, Twellman is one of several youngsters trying to earn a place on the final roster that will take part in the upcoming World Cup in Germany. After a lacklustre scoreless draw against Canada a week ago, Team USA looked sharp from the outset. — AFP