Johanna Konta defeated by Agnieska Radwanska in China Open final

Johanna Konta was unable to mark her historic rise into the world's top 10 by winning the China Open after being overwhelmed by Agnieska Radwanska in straight sets in Beijing. The 27-year-old Pole claimed a 6-4 6-2 victory to claim the 20th WTA title of her career.

Konta had steamrolled into her second final of 2016 - making history along the way in becoming the first British top 10 player since Jo Durie in 1984 - but she had no answer to Radwanska's supreme movement in the Chinese capital.

"I am really pleased with this week," she said. "Thank to the crowd for all the support, it was pretty spectacular I have been saying from the beginning this is a beautiful court to play on. I am very pleased with my progress over the last few years and hopefully there are many more places to climb. I enjoy working hard and playing matches like these. Hopefully I'll have many more in the future."

The former Wimbledon runner-up grabbed an early double break as her variety saw her take a healthy lead. In front of the onlooking former Real Madrid and Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, Konta broke back at 5-2 down as the Sydney-born player reeled off a string of points. But Radwanska served out at the second time of asking.

Radwanska had one hand on her second China Open title and that grip strengthened in game three of the second set as Konta's erratic serve allowed her opponent to unleash some devilish returns. Two breaks followed to give Radwanska a position of strength.

The extra 75 minutes Konta had spent on court in reaching the final suddenly started to show and the British number one was unable to show the resolve which had defined her success this season. Radwanska set up championship point with a backhand lob, before an ace saw her claim her third title of the year, after successes at the Shenzhen Open and the Connecticut Open.

Radwanska, who didn't drop a set throughout the tournament on the way to matching her success from 2011, said: "This is my third final, second title here so it isa big day. It was a special week for me. I played great tennis against top players. Every title means a lot, but especially here.

"It is one of the biggest tournaments of the year, as you play the best players from the first round. I've been playing my best tennis so I am glad to win this tournament again and it will have a special place at home."

Nevertheless, Konta emerges from the week with huge credit having risen to a career-high ranking of world number eight which sees her on course for the season-ending WTA Tour Championships finals in Singapore.