MOSCOW, August 23 (RIA Novosti) - Maria...

Sharapova, unseeded in the competition and ranked No. 49 in the world, has struggled to regain top form after a shoulder injury, and will be playing for her first title since April 2008.

She reached the Toronto final with a hard-fought 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over compatriot Alisa Kleybanova.

Sharapova told reporters: "Coming back after not playing for a while is always tough, especially after you"ve had an injury. I"m really grateful I have another chance to be in a final and with the way I"ve been able to learn from every match."

Fourth-seed Dementieva, ranked fifth in the world, won a swift victory over Serena Williams of the U.S. on Saturday, 7-6 (2), 6-1. Williams had beaten Dementieva at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.