Taylor advances to final in Russia

Katie Taylor is just three two-minute rounds away from adding another gold medal to her collection following a semi-final victory at the international women's tournament in Stupino, Russia today.

The 20-year-old progressed to tomorrow's final after recording a 17-5 win over Alexandra Siderenko of the Ukraine this afternoon.

The Bray woman, the reigning World and European lightweight champion, will meet Russia's Dariy Abramova in Fridays final around 3pm Irish time.

Ireland and the Netherlands are the only non-eastern countries competing in Russia, and Taylor's father and coach Peter - a former Irish senior champion - says that the quality of competition in Stupino, which is about 100Km outside Moscow, is very high.

He said: "The eastern nations have very strong selections out here and Katie is facing a tough task against Abramova tomorrow as she is a very strong boxer with good technically ability.

"Abramova will also have home advantage, but Katie produced one of her best performances so far today and she will be confident going into Fridays final."

Following today's win, Taylor, who will box for the fourth time in four days tomorrow, is guaranteed at least silver from the tournament.

Taylor has racked up 45 points and conceded 16 in her three bouts so far.