(SEPT 20) Defending champion Katie Taylor is through to the European Championships lightweight final following an 8-0 semi final win over Denica Eliseeva of Bulgaria in Nikalaev City in the Ukraine this morning. 

Taylor, who beat Eliseeva 8-1 in Pazardjik, Bulgaria in June to claim her second European Union gold medal on the trot, dominated all four rounds at the Nadezhda Sports Complex to guarantee herself at least silver.

The Bray woman, who is targeting her fourth European title in a row, will meet Meryem Aslan Zeybek of Turkey in Sunday's 60Kg final.

Zeybek came from behind to beat Aleksandra Sydorenko of the Ukraine 6-4 this morning.

Taylor has yet to concede a point in the Ukraine. She stopped Kosovare Buzuku of Sweden in the first round of their quarter final on Thursday.

The Irish woman, the reigning World champion, was 4-0 when the bout was halted.

Saturday is a rest day at the Championships. Sunday's finals begin at 10am Irish time.

European Women's Championships September 14th/21st

September 16th (Last 16)
75Kg: Sinead Kavanagh (Ireland) lost to Lidia Fidura (Poland) 2-3

September 17th (Q/Final)
60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Kosovare Buzuku (Sweden) RSC(1)
RSC = ref stops contest.

September 18th (S/Final)
60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) beat Denica Eliseeva (Bulgaria) 8-0

September 20th (Final)
60Kg: Katie Taylor (Ireland) v Meryem Aslan Zeybek (Turkey)


Irish Squad & Management

60Kg: Katie Taylor
75Kg: Sinead Kavanagh
Coaches: Peter Taylor & Pat Ryan
Team Manager: Sadie Duffy
Physio: Molly Ryan
R&J: Al Morris