Clijsters on tennis comeback trail

Former world No.1 Kim Clijsters of Belgium on Thursday announced her return to competitive tennis almost two years after retiring from the sport.

The 25-year-old right-hander, famous for her trademark splits defensive play, won 34 WTA tournaments and 11 doubles' crowns, including the 2005 US Open title when she defeated French player Mary Pierce 6-3, 6-1 at Flushing Meadows.

She lost four Grand Slam finals notably the 2003 French Open and US Open championship matches, as well as the 2004 Australian Open to compatriot and rival Justine Henin, who has also since retired.

Sidelined by a succession of injuries and eager to start a family with new husband Brian Lynch, an American basketball player, she abrubtly announced her retirement in May 2007 at just 23 years old.