Li Na became the first Chinese player to reach the French Open final after a comprehensive victory over former world number one Maria Sharapova.
The sixth seed beat her Russian opponent 6-4 7-5 to reach her second successive Grand Slam final, after she lost to Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open back in January.
For Sharapova, who committed 10 double faults and 28 unforced errors, it means her quest to complete a clean sweep of the four major tournaments on the tennis calendar goes on.
Li, better known for her skill on hard and grass courts, will now face Italian defending champion Francesca Schiavone after she beat Marion Bartoli, from France, 6-3 6-3 in the other semifinal.
After her victory Li said "It would be a dream come true to win the final. It would be huge for me and my team. It would be an amazing time for Chinese tennis."
She added in a courtside interview: "I never believed myself that I could be in the French Open final, I wish I can do even better in Saturday's final. It was a tough match."
Asked if she had a preference for who she faces in the final Li added: "Both players are tough so I will watch them later and just enjoy the day and then get ready for Saturday."
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