Japanese No. 1 Ai Sugiyama moved up to eighth in the world rankings released by the WTA tour Monday.

Sugiyama, who broke into the world's top 10 at the end of last year, moved up one place from ninth the previous week for her highest-ever placing while Australian Open winner Justine Henin-Hardenne remained in top spot followed by fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters.

Elsewhere for Japan, Saori Obata moved up one place to 39th while Shinobu Asagoe stayed in 42nd.