Elina Avanesyan, the No 5 seed from Russia, defeated Chloe Paquet from France with a score of 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the final of the Iasi Open at Ciric Sports Base on Thursday.

Avanesyan, ranked No 76, will now face the top seed, Mirra Andreeva, also from Russia.

Prior to her win, the 21-year-old Avanesyan won against Leyre Romero Gormaz from Spain (6-1, 6-2), Petra Martic from Croatia (6-2, 5-7, 6-4), and Jaqueline Cristian from Romania, the No 3 seed (7-5, 6-4).

On the other hand, Paquet, ranked No 106, defeated Maria Lourdes Carle from Argentina, the No 7 seed (6-4, 6-2), Swiss qualifier Simona Waltert (6-1, 7-5), and qualifier Selena Janicijevic (0-6, 6-2, 6-1) in the earlier rounds of the Iasi tournament.

Result of the other semi-final match at Iasi WTA 250, held at Ciric Sports Base on clay with a prize money of USD 267,082:

• Mirra Andreeva defeated Olga Danilovic: 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1)