Clijsters pulls out of Paris tournament

BRUSSELS, Feb 1 (Reuters) World number four Kim Clijsters has pulled out of next week's tournament in Paris due to a hip injury but still expects to participate in the Diamond Games event on home turf.

''I have been to the hospital yesterday for a check up and the analysis was that I am currently suffering from a strain injury,'' she said on her Web site.

''I've been advised to rest and am therefore forced to cancel my Paris tournament.

''I would otherwise jeopardize my participation in Antwerp and I certainly want to avoid that,'' said the 23-year-old.

Clijsters, who has said she will quit this year, lost in the Australian Open semi-final to Maria Sharapova.

The Diamond Games in Antwerp will be Clijsters' final tournament in Belgium.

REUTERS PM PM1406