Justine Hénin-Hardenne has been named the inaugural winner of the Whirlpool 6 th Sense Player of the Year, announced Saturday at the 2005 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships. Justine was presented the Award, which honors the player who has demonstrated the most 6th sense intuition, by Larry Scott, Chairman & CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour during the Tour’s season ending event at Spago Restaurant in Los Angeles, California.

Justine was one of the three world’s top players short-listed for the Award via an online competition organised by Whirlpool, Premier Sponsor of the Tour. The competition ran from May ‘05 to October ‘05 on www.eurosport.com, www.wtatour.com and www.whirlpool.eu.com. Over 40,000 people voted for the three players they felt reflected 6th sense intuition – heightened intelligence, unbeatable performance and pinpoint precision. The three finalists chosen were Justine Hénin - Hardenne, Amélie Mauresmo and Maria Sharapova.

Justine was chosen to receive the Award by an expert panel consisting of former World No. 1 and 14 Grand Slam title winner – Arantxa Sanchez; Co-President of the ITWA, Eleanor Preston; and Eurosport’s leading tennis commentator, Simon Reed. Commenting on receiving the Award, Justine said, “I am delighted and honoured to receive the Whirlpool 6th Sense Player of the Year award. Coming up against Amélie and Maria is difficult - whether it is on or off the court. For me, intuition is a really important part of my game, and something I rely on to compete and win on the international circuit. It’s what gives a player the edge over her opponent.”

Giuseppe Perucchetti, VP Marketing Whirlpool Europe commented, “This Award is further recognition of Justine’s abilities on the court. To be one of the best and to win at this level, a player requires a range of skills – including intuition. Justine is renowned for her ability to anticipate and return difficult shots – especially on her backhand. We are delighted that she has been chosen to receive the Whirlpool 6th Sense Award.”

“To compete at this level and win, you need a 6th sense. As all three finalists are amongst the best players in the world, it is very clear that they all have a true 6th sense when playing tennis,” remarked Arantxa Sanchez.

Commenting on Justine, ITWA Co-President, Eleanor Preston, said, “Justine is proof that brain, combined with hard work, triumphs over brawn. Everyone is so mesmerised by her backhand that they don’t see how quickly she covers the ball.”

"At 5ft 6in tall, what Justine has achieved is nothing short of miraculous. Her feel for the game, her anticipation and the way she uses her skills to sculpt her shots makes her the most watchable player on the women's tour at the moment,” commented Simon Reed.