Aston Villa have reached the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy after Darren Bent scored the only goal of the game to beat Blackburn Rovers.
The 27-year-old struck soon after half-time by latching onto a cross from youngster Barry Brannan, who impressed in the absence of former midfield stars Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given found himself forced into action on a number of occasions to deny Blackburn an equaliser, including a fingertip save to keep out a shot from Brett Emerton.
Villa will now face Chelsea in the final on July 30, while Blackburn play Hong Kong champions and hosts Kitchee SC in a third-place play-off.
