Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki was sent crashing out of the Dubai Tennis Championships after a 7-6 7-5 semi-final defeat to Julia Goerges.
Goerges, making her debut in the tournament, triumphed in straight sets to extend the former world number one's disappointing start to the season.
"It's amazing to beat Caroline. I tried to stay aggressive and attack the short balls," the German player said.
Wozniacki said: "I felt I had all the opportunities in the world today and didn't take advantage of them. If you don't take your chances, there is no way to win."
Goerges will next face Agnieszka Radwanska, who booked her place in the final with a 6-2 2-6 6-0 victory over Jelena Jankovic.
The Pole, seeded fifth at the hardcourt event, overcame a mid-match wobble to progress and set-up a final showdown with either Caroline Wozniacki or Julia Goerges.
Radwanska took an early lead, pulling 4-1 ahead in the first set before securing it in 33 minutes.
The 22-year-old faltered in the second when former world number one Jankovic broke twice to take the first semi-final into a deciding set.
Radwanska regrouped though, and wrapped up the match without losing a game in the third set.
Defending champion Wozniacki will play unseeded Goerges in the second semi-final later on Friday.