Beijing, Oct 1 (IANS): Caroline Wozniacki hopes to keep the World No.1 ranking at the end of the tennis season.

The 21-year-old Wozniacki, who is the defending champion of China Open beginning here Saturday, reached the top of the ranking ladder by beating Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-2 in the third round last year. Wozniacki regarded it as the highlight of her tennis career.

"I reached No.1 ranking for the first time here, and it definitely brings back good memories," Wozniacki was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"Reaching the top is always something special and not a lot people have done it, so definitely thinking back on Beijing last year it is a great memory."

Wozniacki hoped that she could still keep the ranking after the year-ending Istanbul WTA tour championships later this month. If that happens the Dane will be end as No. 1 for the second consecutive year.

"I definitely hope that I will. After being so many weeks at No.1, I wish to stay there until the end of the season and until the new year. I will do everything to try to do well here and in Istanbul."

As the reigning champion of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Wozniacki was eliminated in the third round by the 43rd-ranked Estonian Kaia Kanepi, but she is still confident about defending the title here.

"Of course, every time I go into a tournament I want to win it. There are still a lot tough matches ahead of me, so we will just to have wait and see what happens."