Taylor powers through to European final

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 and Sunday's finals begin at 10am Irish time.