Shnaider too strong for Boulter in Hong Kong

British No 1 loses 6-1, 6-2 to 20-year-old Russian in final but has career-high ranking

- Tumaini Carayol

Katie Boulter's strong run in Hong Kong came to a brutal end yesterday when she was thoroughly outplayed in the final by the top seed, Diana Shnaider, who dismantled the British No 1 player 6-1, 6-2 to win her fourth WTA title of the season.

Boulter, the second seed, was outgunned from the beginning by Shnaider, a strong left-hander with a heavy forehand. As Shnaider continually took the first strike and forced Boulter into uncomfortable positions around the court, she exposed the vulnerable points of Boulter's game. The Briton over-pressed, she lost confidence in her serve and she had no alternative plan against a relentless opponent.

Having won four titles this year, Shnaider, who is Russian, continues to establish herself as one of the most promising young players on the tour. From her ranking of No 108 in January this year, she will rise to a career high of No 12.