The Italian recovered from a poor start to the second semi-final to amass a leading total of 1,352 points.

Micheli found herself in 10^th after a disappointing fencing performance where she won 20 bouts but lost 15.

However, an unbeaten swim in 2min 15.49sec and a third-place finish in the riding disciplines saw her climb the rankings.

The 24-year-old then clocked in after 12:28.95 in the laser run, which only resulted in 12^th place, but it did not matter as her pole position was confirmed.

Micheli won individual gold at the World Championships in Alexandria last year but has suffered some bad form this year after finishing fourth and 17^th in recent events.

She was narrowly followed by South Korea's Seong Seung-min in the semi-final.

She registered 1,351 points and is one of the favourites for a podium place in Saturday's (June 3) final.

Seong placed fourth and second in the fencing and swimming events, respectively, before two 10^th-placed efforts in riding and laser run.

Turkey's Ozyuksel Ilke rounded out the top three with a score of 1,349 to confirm her place in the final.

France's Marie Oteiza was in fine form as she took top spot in the first semi-final with 1,334 points.

She was followed by Italy's Alice Sotero and compatriot Elodie Clouvel who scored 1,328 and 1,324, respectively.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow with both men's semi-finals set to take place.