Cincinnati: Top-seeded Ashleigh Barty lost her chance to reclaim the number one spot in WTA rankings after Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated the Australian in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 to book her berth in the final of the Cincinnati Masters.
Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champion who has been hindered lately by injury, will be in search of her 19th WTA title -- and her first in more than a year -- when she takes on American Madison Keys in the final.
Keys, the 2017 US Open runner-up, defeated compatriot Sofia Kenin 7-5, 6-4.
Kuznetsova denied Barty a chance to reclaim the world number one ranking, which the Australian would have done by reaching the final.
Instead the triumph by 34-year-old Kuznetsova leaves injured Naomi Osaka atop the rankings with the US Open starting a week from Monday.
Barty, who had rallied from a set down in each of her previous two matches, was off the boil against Kuznetsova, who is back on form after several seasons of injuries, including a wrist problem.
"This was a week that I battled through," Barty said.
"At times I played some good stuff. At times I played some pretty awful stuff.
"I've learned a lot from this week, and there are nothing but positives going into New York."
Keys booked her finals spot as she won an all-American match littered with 12 breaks of serve.
She earned match points with a flick volley winner angled steeply cross-court and amazed herself with the get.
"I looked at my box in shock," she admitted.
"I'm really feeling great about my tennis.
"When I was down break points in the second set, I was just thinking that I knew I could break back, that was my biggest thought.
"I'm super happy to be in my first final here. I love getting matches under my belt before a Grand Slam."
