Maria Sharapova eases past Ana Ivanovic to reach China Open final

Maria Sharapova has eased into the final of the China Open with a straight-sets win over Ana Ivanovic this afternoon.

The Russian was in fine form in the opening set, brushing the Serbian aside 6-0 as she sought to reach a final for the first time since she won the French Open earlier this year.

Ivanovic looked stronger in the second, keeping the set on serve until Sharapova forced a couple of errors from her in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead.

The Russian had four match points while attempting to serve out the match, but her opponent battled hard, saving the first three before Sharapova eventually wrapped it up.

Sharapova will face Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in tomorrow's final.