Melbourne: Dominika Cibulkova grabbed control from the first game and overwhelmed fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1 6-2 to become the first Slovakian to reach a grand slam final at the Australian Open on Friday.

Radwanska never got going as the diminutive 20th seed strode around the Rod Laver Arena feasting on the Pole`s second serve and blasting winners from both sides to set up a final against China`s fourth seed Li Na.

The 24-year-old Cibulkova has been on fire at Melbourne Park this year, belying her seeding by upsetting Maria Sharapova and doling out a string of thrashings as she made her way to the last four.

She grabbed three breaks of serve to take the first set with a crunching backhand winner and collapsed onto the court in delight after claiming her place in the final when Radwanska netted after 70 minutes.