The ITF today announced that Hsu Ching-Wen has won the latest Fed Cup Heart Award of 2016 after helping Chinese Taipei to a 4-1 victory over Poland in April’s World Group II play-off tie in Inowroclaw. Hsu is the second Chinese Taipei player to receive a Heart Award in 2016 following Hsieh Su-Wei’s award for her performances in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group I event in February.

Nineteen-year-old Hsu made a stunning Fed Cup by BNP Paribas debut against Poland to help Chinese Taipei qualify for World Group II for the first time. She upset Paula Kania 63 64 in the opening rubber, before defeating Magdalena Frech 62 46 63 to give the visitors a 3-1 winning lead.

Hsu will receive a cheque for US$3,000 , which will be donated to her chosen charity, the Sanchong branch of the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families, that helps children in need in Chinese Taipei and worldwide.

Hsu said: “I have always been training in the Sanchong area, and there are kids from my school who have received help from the Fund. I know how important it is to receive support in my own career, and I cherish every individual who has helped me along the way. I believe this donation can help the organisation achieve its goals.”

Hsu was selected for the latest award alongside Angelique Kerber (GER), Garbine Muguruza (ESP) and Yanina Wickmayer (BEL).  All four players competed in the World Group and World Group II play-offs on 16-17 April.

The players were shortlisted by the Heart Award judging panel, consisting of ITF President David Haggerty and a mixture of former players and members of the international media. A public vote, which ran on 20-23 June, was held on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es to decide the winner.

A total of five Heart Awards have already been presented in 2016. Hsu follows in the footsteps of Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR), Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE), Nadia Podoroska (ARG) and Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) who were honoured earlier this year. The final award for the World Group semifinals will be presented at the 2016 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final in Strasbourg.

ITF President David Haggerty said: “Fed Cup by BNP Paribas creates new heroes in every round, and Hsu’s fighting qualities and strong team spirit in April were a perfect example of how players can rise to the challenge of representing their country.”

The Fed Cup Heart Award is an ITF initiative that was first presented to USA's Melanie Oudin at the 2009 Fed Cup Final. It aims to recognise players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team.

Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the World Cup of Tennis. It is the largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with 102 nations entered in 2016. The competition is 53 years old having been founded in 1963. The title sponsor is BNP Paribas, the Official Bank of Fed Cup. International sponsors are Adecco (Official HR Sponsor) and Betway (Official Betting Sponsor). beIN SPORTS is the Official Global Media Rights Partner.