Clijsters gallant in defeat

Former world No 1 Kim Clijsters says there was much to be pleased about in her comeback match against Australian Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza. The gallant Belgian matched the pace and intensity of the world No 16 before losing 6-2 7-6 (8-6) in Dubai. Fourtime Grand Slam champion Clijsters was making her first appearance on the WTA Tour since the 2012 US Open and the 36-year-old said she was looking forward to getting more matches under her belt. ‘‘I had a good feeling out there,’’ Clijsters said. ‘‘I do feel a little bit of, I’m not going to say relief, but a feeling of the pace I can handle.’’