Halep qualifies for 3rd straight WTA Finals

Simona Halep returns a shot during her match with America's Madison Keys during the WTA Wuhan Open 2016 tennis tournament in Wuhan, Hubei province, Sept 29, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

WUHAN - Simona Halep has secured a spot at this year's WTA Finals Singapore after reaching the Wuhan Open semifinals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over America's Madison Keys on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Romanian is the third woman to qualify for the year-ending event after Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams.

Both of her previous appearances were in the first two editions of the WTA Finals held in Singapore, highlighted by her win over then world No 1 Serena Williams in the round-robin stage in 2014 en route to the finals followed by last year's showing where she defeated the 2015 US Open champion Flavia Pennetta in the round-robin stage.

"She is an outstanding player who has enjoyed a very successful year with three Tour wins and fans in Singapore and following along around the world will enjoy watching her competitive spirit against the other top WTA athletes," said WTA CEO Steve Simon.