Clijsters speeds into third round

MELBOURNE, Jan 18 (Reuters) Kim Clijsters's final ride at the Australian Open gathered momentum today when she eased into the third round with a 6-3 6-0 win over Japan's Akiko Morigami.

The Belgian, who produced a ruthless 6-0 6-0 exhibition in her opening match, was unperturbed at being broken twice in the opening set and reeled off eight straight games to seal victory.

Clijsters has said this will be her last appearance at Melbourne Park as she will retire at the end of the season.

She will next play either 17th seed Alona Bondarenko or France's Virginie Razzano.

Reuters PM GC0914