Chinese star Li Na has booked the eighth and final place at WTA Tour Championships after reaching the semifinal at her home China Open.
The world No. 8 Li stunned reigning champion Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 6-2 on Friday to face Russia’s Maria Sharapova in the semifinal, and earn enough tour points to make the season-ending event.
"In the last two years I have played the best tennis of my career and I am excited to return to the WTA Championships again this year," Li said after her victory.
In 2011, Li became the first Chinese tennis player ever to reach the final tennis tournament of the year.
Last year, the 30 year old defeated Sharapova in the first match but losses to Australia’s Sam Stosur and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus left her out of semifinals.
In the final list of participants, Li has joined Azarenka, 2004 champion Sharapova, Radwanska, 2001 and 2009 champion Serena Williams of the U.S., Germany’s Angelique Kerber, 2011 champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Sara Errani of Italy.
The 25 year old Errani and Kerber, 24, will make their debuts at the tournament this year.
The WTA Tour Championships will be held in November in Istanbul.
