Bondarenko proved too tough for Keothavong in Warsaw

Anne Keothavong's fine run at the Warsaw Open came to an end with a straight-sets defeat at the hands of Alona Bondarenko in the semi-finals.

British number one Keothavong struggled in the first set but made her opponent work harder for the second, before Bondarenko ran out a 6-2 7-5 winner.

Keothavong was the first British woman to reach the last four of a WTA clay-court event since 1983.

Bondarenko plays Romanian qualifier Alexandra Dulgheru in the final.

The 19-year-old Dulgheru, who is ranked 201st in the world, upset sixth seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-1.

Number eight seed Bondarenko, who beat former world number one Maria Sharapova earlier in the tournament, will be looking to go one better than in 2007 when she finished runner-up in Warsaw.

Keothavong was disappointed with the manner of her exit, but was pleased at making it to the latter stages of the event.

606: DEBATE It will be a good test for her, but after her good run in Poland, it would be nice for her to win a couple at the French. Looks unlikely... HewittIsGod

"It wasn't one of my best matches but Alona's a tough opponent," she said. "She makes you play every ball and she moves pretty well and I ended up forcing a little bit too much at times.

"I was getting better as the match wore on but it wasn't enough.

"I still thought I was in it in that second set and I had opportunities, so it's a shame I couldn't get it to go my way.

"Overall it's been a great week for me. I'm really pleased that I've made another semi-final, my third one this year and especially at a premier level and on clay.

"I can't be all disappointed. I have another match in Paris in a couple of days to think about."

Keothavong faces top seed Dinara Safina of Russia in the French Open next week.

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