Defending champion Maria Sharapova came from behind in the third set to beat Angelique Kerber 6-3 2-6 7-5 on Saturday and earn a spot in the final of the Stuttgart WTA event.

The top-seeded Russian committed two consecutive double-faults to drop her serve at the start of the decisive set.

But Sharapova won the last eight points and clinched the match when her third-seeded German opponent hit a backhand long.

Sharapova had wasted a chance to serve out the match in the ninth game after taking a 5-3 lead.

Sharapova will play either second-seeded Li Na or qualifier Bethani Mattek-Sands for the title in the indoor clay-court tournament on Sunday.

After winning in Stuttgart last year, Sharapova went on to win the French Open as well.