Melbourne  - Ana Ivanovic recovered after a second-set threat from Italian Alberta Brianti to earn a 6-3, 6-2 victory Wednesday to reach the third round of the Australian Open.

The Serb fifth seed, who won the French Open last year and briefly touched number one, remains just outside the discussion for the top spot by the end of the season's first major.

But her performance gave hope that she is preparing to climb back up the standings.

Melbourne - Lleyton Hewitt has vowed to fight on with his career after suffering a heartbreaking early exit at the Australian Open. The 27-year-old is ready to take his game to the American indoor courts next month after losing to Fernando Gonzalez.

With a ranking which will now stand close to 100 for the former number one and double Grand Slam champion, prospects admittedly look grim.

Lausanne, Switzerland  - Norwegian horse rider Tony Andre Hansen has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to get back the bronze Olympic medal that he lost last month.

The sport's ruling body FEI disqualified him from the Olympics last month after ruling that he had been guilty of a doping violation after his horse Camiro tested positive for capsaicin on the day of the team jumping final of the Olympic Games.

Rome - The Association of Italian footballers (AIC) has named Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic best Serie A player of 2008 at a ceremony held in Milan, the AIC web site reported.

Italian media Tuesday showed pictures of the Inter Milan striker smiling as he held the Oscar of football, a golden statue of a footballer.

Ibra, 27, was also voted best foreign player in the league, an award he already secured in 2005, and won a further prize for scoring the best goal of 2008, a spectacular heel flick against Bologna.

London - Manchester City confirmed on Tuesday that Brazilian forward Robinho has left their training camp on Mallorca.

It is understood that Robinho left the island on Monday, with reports suggesting he had been involved in a row with club officials following the collapse of talks aimed at bringing his compatriot Kaka to the club.

Other reports suggested the forward had been told he could return to Brazil to celebrate his 25th birthday.

Rome - AC Milan fans Tuesday were relieved by the news that Brazilian star Kaka turned down a massive offer from Manchester City and decided to remain with the Devils.

Club owner and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi gave the announcement Monday night through two television channels, thus putting an end to speculations that began last week and triggered protests from hundreds of Milan fans.

"Kaka stays at Milan. It's a success for Kaka. He resisted and I'm happy that Milan have the honour to field among his great players a man like him," Berlusconi said.