Kohlschreiber through to Stuttgart final

Juan Martin del Potro was denied a first ATP World Tour final appearance since returning from injury as he went down in straight sets to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last four of the Stuttgart Open.

Five of Kohlschreiber's seven career titles have come on home soil in Germany and the veteran will face Dominic Thiem on Sunday for the chance to earn another crown, after beating Del Potro 6-3 6-4.

Two breaks of serve, at 1-1 and 5-3, were enough to give Kohlschreiber the first set on Saturday against a player still working his way back to top form following a lengthy lay-off due to wrist problems.

There was a lengthy delay during the second set as showers interrupted proceedings after Del Potro had staved off two break points to remain on serve at 2-2.

When play eventually resumed, Kohlschreiber claimed a timely break as his opponent served to stay in the tournament, setting up a final against Thiem, who beat Roger Federer earlier in the day.