Dulgheru remains on track

Defending champion Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania ended hopes of an all-Chinese final at the Warsaw Open on Friday.

Reigning champion one match away from defending Warsaw title

Defending champion Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania ended hopes of an all-Chinese final at the Warsaw Open on Friday, beating Li Na 6-4 3-6 6-4. The world number 32 remained on course for successive titles after removing the highest remaining seed following the earlier elimination of Caroline Wozniacki and Elena Dementieva. "It's a special feeling playing in Warsaw, maybe it's because of the atmosphere here. I feel great," said the Romanian. "I was trying to change her rhythm a bit and play different shots. I got a little bit tired at the end of the second set but I just tried to hang in there in the third. "I really didn't think I'd win until the last point of the match." Dulgheru will take on Zheng Jie in Saturday's final after the fifth seed ended the fine run of Hungarian qualifier Greta Arn. Zheng picked up the first set 6-4 but Arn had the chance to level when serving for the second set at 5-4, only for the Chinese to break back. Zheng broke again in the next game before serving out for a straight sets win. "I'm happy about my performances here this week," she said. "It's been more demanding to concentrate mentally and it's harder physically too. "But my results this week are a good build-up for the French Open."