Injured Sharapova out of WTA Championship

World No 3 Maria Sharapova withdrew on Monday from the end-of-season WTA Championship in Istanbul due to the shoulder injury that also kept her out of the US Open.

The 26-year-old Russian has not played since losing to Sloane Stephens in the second round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati in August.

"I am very disappointed I will not be able to play in the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championship this year," Sharapova said on Monday.

"The fans in Istanbul have welcomed us each year with such intense passion and warmth. I will sincerely miss the energy and excitement they bring to the year-end tournament."

The four-time Grand Slam winner, who fired coach Jimmy Connors after just one match together following the defeat by Stephens, pulled out of the US Open held in August and September due to inflammation in her right shoulder.

Petra Kvitova, Sara Errani and Jelena Jankovic have joined world number one Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwanska and Li Na in qualifying for the eight-player WTA Championship that begins on October 22.

Sharapova's place is still up for grabs through the rankings.

Image: Maria Sharapova