Chinese midfielder Zhou Wanfeng, together with nine other hockeyists, was nominated for the 2005 World Hockey Women's Player of the Year Awards.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the 10-person nominations at the women's Champions Trophy in Canberra on December 1, 2005.

Zhou was joined by Lizzy Igasan of nzl, Fanny Rinne of Germany, Amy Tran of the United States, and South Korean Do Woon-Oh.

Luciana Aymar of Argentina, reigning world player of the year, is also nominated this year.

Hosts Australia and powerhouse Netherlands are the only two countries which boast two nominees. Olympic veteran Nikki Hudson and Rachel Imison represent Australians in the candidates list while Dutch experienced defenders Minke Booij and Janneke Schopman also step in for the honor.

Nominations were decided by a survey of international coaches, with player of the tournament voting from major events in 2005 also taken into consideration.

The winner will be determined by a ballot of players and coaches from the six competing teams at the ongoing Champions Trophy and the award is to be presented after the final on Sunday during the official closing ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2005)