Croatia's Karolina Sprem toppled an injured Elena Likhovtseva of Russia [Images], the second seed, to enter the final of the $170,000 WTA Kolkata Open on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Sprem, the number seven seed ranked world number 81, rallied for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory after Likhovtseva needed treatment for lower back trouble during the second set.

She now meets top seed Anastasia Myskina [Images], who displayed her best form to outplay unseeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-3, 6-1 in the other semi-final.

The 2004 French Open champion, the world number 12, is aiming to secure her first title of the year.

Likhovtseva won a scrappy first set which featured five breaks of serve. The 30-year-old dropped serve in game five of the second set before taking an injury break.

With Likhovtseva clearly struggling after treatment, Sprem wrapped up the final set, dashing hopes of an all-Russian final.

A disappointed Likhovtseva said: "I felt bad losing. But I couldn't serve, lost concentration and I couldn't run sideways."

Sprem, scoring her third victory over Likhovtseva, was delighted.

"This year I'm playing well. I think my confidence is coming back," she said. "I want to win the tournament."

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