Clinton stays alive with Pennsylvania win

Washington: Hillary Clinton defeated rival Barack Obama in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, keeping alive her slim hopes for the presidency.

Clinton led 55 per cent to 45 per cent with 99 per cent of the vote counted.

"Some people counted me out and said to drop out, but the American people don't quit and they deserve a president who doesn't quit either," Clinton told supporters in Philadelphia.

The contest in Pennsylvania opened the final phase of the Democratic duel for the right to face Republican John McCain in November's presidential election.

Nine more contests are scheduled before the voting ends on June 3. The race moves on to contests on May 6 in North Carolina.