BEIJING, Oct. 6 -- Chinese tennis star Li Na on Thursday became the fifth singles player to qualify for the prestigious TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships which would be held in Istanbul, Turkey on October 25-30, 2011, becoming the first Chinese singles player to book a spot on the WTA season-ending tournament.

"This year has been the most successful of my career so far and I'm very happy to have qualified," said Li Na. "I'm proud to be the first Chinese woman to qualify in singles for this event."

Li Na enjoyed a historic season in 2011, twice making into the Grand Slam finals and taking the title of Roland Garros. She turned out to be the first Asian singles player to become a Grand Slam champion.

Li equaled the Asian-best world number four ranking during the season. Her success aroused the tennis fever both at home and abroad. According to the stats of CCTV (China Central Television), her French Open final against Francesca Schiavone attracted more than 100 million audience to watch through TV.

"I congratulate Li Na on qualifying for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships, marking a perfect end to her truly historic season," said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA.

Li started to meet troubles after her great victory in June. She was knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon, and was eliminated in the opening round at US Open.

She also swallowed a first-round defeat at the ongoing China Open in Beijing, disappointing thousands of local spectators.

【体坛英语资讯：Li Na becomes first Chinese to reach WTA Championships】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hurdler Liu to skip Golden League for Games

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hewitt love strikes back over bikini shots

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russia through, champions bow out without win at Euro 2008

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Posh Spice tops Blackwell worst-dressed

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas new and old set early pace at worlds

★ 体坛英语资讯：Bryant heads U.S. basketball team to Beijing Olympics

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan to be caught on tape

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Collins wont face charges in death

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Nicole Kidman describes paparazzi chase

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Publicist says Nicole Kidman is pregnant