the Hong Kong Open final after defeating Russian qualifier Aleksandra Shubladze in Saturday's semifinal.
Liu, ranked 102nd in the world, secured a two-set victory, winning 7-5, 6-4 in a contest that lasted one hour and 58 minutes. She converted five breaks of serve to overcome her opponent.
The victory sends Liu into her first WTA Tour final since the 2022 Rabat Open, where she finished as runner-up after losing to Italy's Martina Trevisan.
The American will now await the winner of the semifinal between Greece's Maria Sakkari, the tournament's fourth seed, and second seed Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Liu will be seeking her maiden WTA singles title.
Liu secured her semifinal place by defeating Türkiye's Zeynep Sonmez 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
Shubladze, meanwhile, leaves the tournament following an impressive campaign. The Russian reached the main draw through qualifying, beating China's Ying Zhang and Australia's Emerson Jones, before recording victories over fellow Russians Liudmila Samsonova and Elena Pridankina. She then defeated Romania's Sorana Cirstea in the quarterfinals, but her run ended against Liu.
