WORLD No.3 Kim Clijsters will go in search of her fourth Grand Slam title on Saturday morning when she tackles Li Na in the women's singles final at the Australian Open.
The 27-year-old Belgian, who has three US Open titles, was a finalist in Melbourne in 2004 but lost in three sets to compatriot Justine Henin.
Seven years on Clijsters will be confident of finally landing the Australian Open crown but Chinese Li Na will take heart from beating her opponent in the WTA Medibank international in Sydney this month.
Although defeated in their last meeting Clijsters boasts a 4-2 advantage overall against Li Na. Two of her wins came on the biggest stages of all – a straight sets quarter-final triumph two years ago en route to winning her second US Open title and a Wimbledon win at the same stage in 2006.
Clijsters is a player for the big occasion and for that reason my money is on her (4-11, Boylesports, Paddy Power) and I also believe her victory will be achieved in two sets (10-11, Paddy Power).
Sportingbet offer 100-30 on a 2-1 victory for the Belgian and although tempting I'll stick to straight sets. Also in Clijsters favour is the fact Li Na is the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final and has the weight of a nation on her shoulders.
But the outsider did save a match point before beating world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in their semi-final.
Can't see the upset but Li Na to win in straight sets is 11-2 with Stan James, while Sportingbet offer 6-1 on a 2-1 success.
Boylesports and Skybet offer 1-2 on either player winning in straight sets and you can get 8-5 a three-set match at Boylesports and Victor Chandler.
