SHANGHAI QUALIFIERS

Ljubicic Qualifies; Field is Set

Ljubicic: Claimed last remaining spot

Ivan Ljubicic captured the last remaining Tennis Masters Cup berth on Friday, completing the elite eight-man field for the $4.45 million circuit finale to be held in Shanghai from November 13-20.

Ljubicic, who added to his INDESIT ATP 2005 Race tally by advancing to the semifinals in Paris on Friday, qualifies for Shanghai following the defeats of rivals David Ferrer and Gaston Gaudio in the BNP Paribas Masters quarterfinals. Ljubicic becomes the first Croat since Goran Ivanisevic (2001) to qualify for the Tennis Masters Cup.

"It's an absolute dream come true. This is what I have been aiming for the whole way," said Ljubicic. "After winning a Grand Slam, I think this is the biggest achievement as you have to play well for the whole year to reach this goal.

"I played the tour event in Shanghai in 1999. I can only imagine what the center court will be like for the Masters Cup. I think the Chinese are probably the best organizers in the world and it will be an amazing event to play in. I will fly there probably on Monday or Tuesday and I can't wait to get there," said Ljubicic.

The No. 1 Croat has enjoyed his best season in 2005 by winning two ATP titles in seven finals, breaking into Top 10 for first time and leading his country to its first Davis Cup final, to be played against Slovakia in December.

Ljubicic remains in contention at the BNP Paribas Masters where he will face off against fellow Tennis Masters Cup competitor Andy Roddick in Saturday's semifinals as he continues to bid for his first career ATP Masters Series shield.