MADRID: Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne claimed the first WTA Championships of her career when she beat Amelie Mauresmo 6-4, 6-3 in an absorbing exhibition of high-quality tennis on Sunday.

Henin-Hardenne, who succeeds Mauresmo as World No. 1, played some immaculate tennis as she closed out the defending champion in straight sets in a fitting end to the season.

The victory gave the three-time Roland Garros champion some revenge for her losses to the Frenchwoman in the finals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.

Henin-Hardenne, who reached the final of all four Grand Slams this season, is the first player since Martina Hingis in 2000 to win the Championships and end the year as No. 1.

``It couldn't have been better, especially as it was doubtful whether I would even take part this year,'' said an ecstatic Henin-Hardenne, who came back at the start of the week after a two-month lay-off following a calf injury in the Fed Cup final in September. The result means Mauresmo drops to No. 3 with Sharapova at No. 2. — Agencies

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