Katie Boulter suffers straight-sets defeat to Diana Shnaider in Hong Kong Open final

Katie Boulter went down in straight sets to Russian Diana Shnaider in the final of the Hong Kong Open.

Boulter was bidding to a win a third WTA title of the season but the British No1 was no match for her inspired opponent and lost 6-1, 6-2.

Despite the defeat, Boulter will climb into the world's top 25 for the first time after a strong finish to the season.

Top seed Shnaider steamrollered her way to a fourth title of the season, reeling off a catalogue of clean winners against an error-prone Boulter.

Boulter lost her first service game to quickly fall 2-0 behind and was broken twice more in the opening set, which Shnaider wrapped up in 37 minutes.

Second seed Boulter showed little of the steely focus on show in her semi-final win against China's Yuan Yue.

She made just 59 per cent of her first serves in the opening set, making 10 unforced errors and there was little improvement in the second as Shnaider maintained her dominance.

Shnaider broke Boulter twice more to race into a 4-0 lead.

Boulter held serve in the fifth game to avoid a second-set bagel and made it 5-2 after holding again, but left-hander Shnaider then served out for victory in one hour and 11 minutes.

“Massive congratulations to Diana, her family and her team,” said Boulter. “What an incredible week and incredible season.

“You absolutely killed me out there today, but I will get you next time.

“A massive thank you to my team. You push me every day to try and be better and I am sure I will be back. What a season we have had.”

Additional reporting: Press Association