October 30, 2007	Tuesday	Shawwal 17, 1428

MADRID, Oct 29: Maria Sharapova clinched the final place at the season-ending WTA Championships on Sunday. Sharapova has qualified every year since winning on her debut in 2004.

“This has been a very frustrating year for me physically but I’m a big competitor and am determined to compete at the WTA Championships,” Sharapova said.

Justine Henin, Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams, Anna Chakvetadze and Daniela Hantuchova have already qualified for the US$3 million event to be held from Nov 6 to 11 at the Madrid Arena.

Venus Williams withdrew despite sitting seventh in the race standings. The Wimbledon champion hasn’t recovered after experiencing dizzy spells at the US Open.

“The accumulation of matches has taken its toll and I have received several medical opinions to delay my return to competitive tennis,” Venus said.

Marion Bartoli holds the first alternate spot.—AP