Top seed Amelie Mauresmo saved a match point on Saturday to repulse a strong challenge from 18-year-old compatriot Tatiana Golovin [Images] and set up the first all-French Paris Open final.

The world number two defeated Golovin 6-7, 7-5, 6-2 to qualify for Sunday's final against Mary Pierce, who defeated Swiss Patty Scnhyder 6-4, 6-2.

Mauresmo, returning to action after she clinched her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne last month, looked destined for her first defeat of the season when Golovin managed to create a match point in the second set.

Down 5-4 after losing the opening set, Mauresmo rallied to wrap up the next three games and defeat her teenage opponent in just under three hours.

It was the third time in a row that Golovin, 24th in the WTA rankings, had been eliminated at the semi-final stage.

"It was a very tough match. I was not at my best today," Mauresmo said. "I had to struggle on every point.

"I'm happy with my performance because even when I don't feel really well I manage to stay focused. I saw that on her match point, she was a little bit nervous and I told myself I had to take my chance. I realised it was now or never."

Mauresmo won the event in 2001 and Pierce was the victor in 1998.

"It's cool to take on Mary in the final," Mauresmo said. "I know her very well. I hope I'll be able to recover in time physically. She must be in better shape than me, now."

Pierce, eliminated in the second round at the Australian Open last month, is gradually returning to last year's form when she reached the final at both the French and U.S. Opens.

"I had a slow start," she said. "But after a few games I started to play much better and to hit the ball more aggressively.

"I'm just happy to be here. I'm having a great week as I'm playing better in every match. Tomorrow we will have a Frenchwoman winning here. What else can we ask for? It's just great."

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