Henin-Hardenne seals number one spot

Justine Henin-Hardenne beat Maria Sharapova today in the semi-final of the Madrid Masters, thus sealing the world number one spot for the rest of the calendar year 2006.

The diminutive Belgian, who reached the final of all four grand slam events and won the French Open, eclipsed the Siberian teenager who landed the US Open this year to add to her 2004 Wimbledon title.

She prevailed 6-2 7-6 (7/5) to reach the Madrid final and secure supremacy over the year-long season.

The number one position had been occupied since March by France's Amelie Mauresmo who this year won two slams, the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

"To end the season as No.1 in the world is very exciting and an accomplishment I'm very proud of, especially because there were three players who could have been No.1 at the end of the year," Henin-Hardenne said.

"This season was full of great moments for me and to get the top ranking back makes it even better."

Mauresmo and Henin-Hardenne's countrywoman Kim Clijsters will contest the other semi-final.