Hingis ruins Li's record bid

MELBOURNE, Jan 22 (Reuters) Martina Hingis today played spoilsport at the Australian Open by denying China another entry into the record books.

Li Na was looking to become China's first singles quarter-finalist at Melbourne Park and having held the upper hand for a set, she withered away under sunny skies to exit 4-6 6-3 6-0.

Sixth seed Hingis's victory restored calm at the Open a day after five women's seeds, including defending champion Amelie Mauresmo, were bounced out.

By reaching the last eight for the second successive year, the Swiss ensured she fulfilled her side of the deal in what could be a tantalising quarter-final showdown against Belgian Kim Clijsters.

''Kim better win, I'll be waiting, I'll be watching,'' the three-times former champion said courtside after her one hour 51 minute win.

Fourth seed Clijsters plays Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova later on Monday and top seed Maria Sharapova faces fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva.

Li, who became China's first grand slam singles quarter-finalist at Wimbledon last year, used her searing backhands to flummox the Swiss tactician during the early stages.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate on her serve until the final game of the first set. With Hingis unable to get a look in on a second serve, Li stormed ahead but she was eventually undone by her erratic choice of shots which produced 69 unforced errors.

''She came out on fire, I've never played her before so I knew it would be a difficult match... thank God after the first set I played better,'' Hingis said.

Later on Monday, Melbourne will witness a battle between the only two men to have beaten world number one Roger Federer in 2006.

Rafael Nadal faces Andy Murray across the net for the first time in what should be the opening instalment of an enthralling rivalry between two of the sport's young guns.

Reuters PM DB0907