BEIJING:

US Open runner-up crushed defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in 58 minutes on Saturday to reach the China Open final and will face Linda Noskova.

The 26th-seeded Noskova of the Czech Republic saved three match points in her semi-final to stun fifth seed Jessica Pegula in three sets.

"I felt really good throughout the whole match," third-seeded American Anisimova, beaten in the final in New York by Aryna Sabalenka a month ago, said.

"All my shots were working today, which is my favourite way to play.

"Coco's a really tough player, so I knew I was gonna really have to step it up."

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Anisimova said she was surprised to be back in another final so soon, having taken time off after the US Open and removing a tooth the day of her flight.

"I didn't really feel like I was

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