Women star forward Sun Wen of China was selected by Atlanta Beat as the overall first pick for the inaugural Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) at a draft conducted in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, December 10.
All five Chinese women players were taken among the first six picks in the first round by the eight-team league, which is slated for mid-April next year in eight cities.

"I'm very excited to have this opportunity to play in the United States," said Sun Wen, the best woman forward in the world as she won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards in the 1999 Women's World Cup.

"I will enjoy my stay with the new players, coaches and new experiences I will have in America. I will work hard to improve my play and give my best performance for the league," said the 27-year-old Sun who had her knee surgery early this month in the United States.

Chinese midfielder Liu Ailing was selected by Philadelphia Charge with the second pick, defender Fan Yunjie was the third selection by San Diego Spirit, goalkeeper Gao Hong selected by New York Power with the fourth pick, and Wen Lirong went to Carolina Tempest at No. 6.

As the fifth draft was Norway's Dagny Mellgren by Boston Breakers.

The other two league squads are Washington Freedom who took Anne Makinen in the 7th pick and Bay Area CyberRays who chosed Thori Bryan.

(People's Daily 12/11/2000)