Tai, seeded fourth, ended Marin’s title defence at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon by earning a hard-fought 21-17, 14-21, 21-16 triumph.

She demonstrated an impressive array of shots throughout the semi-final clash and outclassed her opponent for large periods, although Marin did appear to have the advantage when she levelled the contest at one game all.

Marin, who beat India’s P.V Sindhu to win the Olympic gold medal at the Games in Rio de Janeiro, will have the chance to end her season on a high during the BWF Superseries Finals in Dubai next month.

"In the beginning of the third, Carolina was very fast and I couldn’t catch up," said Tai, who also beat Marin at the China Superseries.

"I told myself I don’t have time left, I have to push harder. 

"I made a lot of unforced errors, but I was able to control myself towards the end.

"I tend to make a lot of mistakes; that’s something I need to work on.

"The support of spectators here made a difference."

Tai will go up against Sindhu in tomorrow’s final after the Indian star ended the Hong Kong Superseries dream of home player Cheung Ngan Yi.

The Olympic silver medallist secured her spot in the tournament’s showpiece contest by claiming a 21-14, 21-16 victory.

In the men’s singles event, Sindhu’s compatriot Sameer Verma caused an upset as he beat top seed Jan Ø Jørgensen of Denmark in straight games.

Verma found his form at the right time and clinched a shock 21-19, 24-22 win to set up a meeting with Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long.

Ng sealed his place in a first-ever Superseries final by comfortably overcoming team-mate Hu Yun 21-19, 21-7.

"I’m excited to be in my first Superseries final, it’s very special that I’ve achieved this at home," he said.

"I’m hoping to be the first men’s singles winner from Hong Kong."

There was also a surprise in the men’s doubles as second seeds Chai Biao and Hong Wei were beaten 21-15, 19-21, 21-17 by Japan’s Keigo Sonoda and Takeshi Kamura.