Vesnina stuns Stephens

Unseeded Russian Elena Vesnina downed American teenager Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-2 on Friday to reach the final of the Hobart International.

Vesnina, ranked 68, took only 69 minutes to beat the 19-year-old Stephens, ranked 29, and to reach her seventh WTA Tour final.

The 26-year-old Vesnina will meet defending champion Mona Barthel in the final.

The German secured a 6-4 6-4 success over Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in Friday's late semi-final.

Vesnina controlled her semi-final from the outset, breaking Stephens in the opening game and racing to a 5-0 lead in less than 20 minutes.

Stephens saved three set points in a brief rally, but couldn't break Vesnina's dominance.