By Martin Petty

Teenager Vania King reached the first tournament final of her professional career on Saturday by defeating sixth-seeded Meghann Shaughnessy 6-1, 6-4 in an all-American semi-final at the Bangkok Open.

The unseeded 17-year-old’s powerful serves and stinging baseline returns saw off the challenge of Shaughnessy and set up a clash with Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn, who beat Severine Bremond of France 6-2, 6-3 in the other semi-final.

"I wasn't expecting to get into the final, I feel like I'm playing really well," said King. "I served well when her game was up and down."

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, she added: "A title would mean the world to me but I have to keep things in perspective. I'm doing well here but I just want to get the best out of myself."