Tennis: Davenport and Martin hit form

Lindsay Davenport underlined her status as the world's number one female player with a timely straight sets 6-4 6-3 win over her rival Martina Hingis at the Sydney International. The 22-year-old American, who replaced Hingis at the top of the rankings last year, is now clear favourite for the season's first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open. Meanwhile, the American Todd Martin set his sights on a first Grand Slam after beating the No 3-ranked Alex Corretja to win his second Sydney Adidas International crown. Martin, 28, won 6-3 7-6 for only his eighth title in a career that stretches back to 1990. The No 16-ranked Martin's best Grand Slam performance was losing the 1994 Australian Open final to Pete Sampras, who will miss this year's open because of fatigue.

Australian Open, page 16