By DPA
London : Istanbul will step into the women's tennis spotlight from 2011-13 after being awarded the WTA year-end championship Friday.
The announcement follows the choice of Doha as the wrap-up venue from 2008 after a final year in Madrid this autumn.
"Istanbul is one of the world's great capitals, and will be a fantastic home," said WTA boss Larry Scott.
"Women's tennis is growing in popularity at an incredible pace in Turkey thanks in large part to the success of the Istanbul Cup (played in May before the French Open).
"And we believe that bringing our season-ending finale and the world's very best players to Turkey will significantly increase the stature of our sport in this key market and region."
Organizers will build a new 10,000-seat stadium to host the championship.
The dual announcements were part of a shake-up in the tennis calendar with full effect from 2009. The Sony-Ericsson Championships will feature $4.45 million in prize money for the top eight players from each season invited to participate.
The winner will bank $1.485 million.
The Istanbul deal duplicates the $42 million pact signed with Doha.