Sharapova set for WTA final,3 Chinese set for youth tourney

Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a shot during her match against Serena Williams of the US at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 9, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Russian star ace Maria Sharapova has secured a spot in the eight-seed Women's Tennis Association year-end championship while three young Chinese players boast high hopes to compete alongside the stars at a designate youth tournament.

WTA announced on Friday that current world No 3 Sharapova has qualified for this year's BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore.

The Russian fan favorite joined 21-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams of the United States and Romanian world No 2 Simona Halep in the singles field of eight in Singapore, with five more spots yet to be determined.

Sharapova is set to make her eighth appearance at the WTA Finals, after winning the title in her debut appearance in 2004. The Russian also reached the final in 2007 and 2012 and the semifinals in 2005 and 2006. She has advanced out of the group stage in five out of her seven previous appearances.

"Maria's return to the WTA Finals is fantastic for our fans. Last year during the inaugural WTA Finals Singapore, the Singapore fans loved Maria's exciting performances on court and her inspirational moments engaging with young fans，" said Stacey Allaster, WTA chairwoman and CEO.

"Maria is a consummate professional on the WTA and we are thrilled to once again welcome her back to Singapore to be part of an exciting 2015 season finale."

Sharapova earned her spot at the Finals for her success this year, which includes two WTA titles at the Brisbane International and Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome and a finals appearance at the Australian Open. She also reached three semifinals this year at Wimbledon, the Mutua Madrid Open and Abierto Mexicano TELCEL in Acapulco.