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Li qualifies for the WTA Championships


 

Originally published on: 06/10/11 10:40

French Open champion Li Na has become the fifth player to qualify for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships.

The 29-year-old Chinese player joins Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka as qualifiers for the year-end showpiece event, won by Kim Clijsters in its final year in Doha last October.

There are three remaining spots up for grabs for the coveted title and a share of $5 million in prize money, with Vera Zvonareva, Samantha Stosur and Marion Bartoli currently leading the race to complete the singles draw.

Li, who defeated four top 10 players en route to becoming the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam at Roland Garros, was delighted to end her season on a high after becoming the first Chinese woman to qualify for the singles event.

“This year has been the most successful of my career so far and I’m very happy to have qualified for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships,” Li said. “I’m proud to be the first Chinese woman to qualify in singles for this event and I look forward to some tough matches against the best players of the season.”

Stacey Allaster, Chairman & CEO of the WTA added her congratulations to the world No.6.

“I congratulate Li Na on qualifying for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships, marking a perfect end to her truly historic season. Li Na’s success is credit to her incredible talent, determination and perseverance and she is an inspiration to millions of people around the world and in China.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.