Sharapova beats Errani to reach Stuttgart final

Stuttgart: Two-time defending champion Maria Sharapova cruised past Sara Errani 6-1, 6-2 on Saturday to reach her third straight Porsche Grand Prix final.

Sharapova dominated the 59-minute semifinal and will play either Jelena Jankovic or Ana Ivanovic in the final. Sharapova extended her winning streak on Stuttgart's indoor clay to 12 matches and is undefeated against Errani in five matches.

Errani hit a big cross-court return that kissed the line to save the first match point. But Sharapova then hit a superb backhand winner down the line to close the match.

Sharapova is looking for her 30th career title. The Russian returned late last year after missing more than four months following shoulder surgery.