The British number one, seeded third, resumed his rain-delayed semi-final leading 3-2 in the second set against Armenia's Sargis Sargsian.

The first three games of the second set went to serve and then, at 5-3 up, Henman broke his opponent to complete a 6-1, 6-3 victory.

Henman now faces the recently-restored World number one in the final later today.

Henman has never previously reached the final of a Grass Court tournament.American Sampras has beaten the Briton all four times they have played, including twice at Wimbledon.

Tauziat in final

BIRMINGHAM: Defending champion and runner-up a year ago at Wimbledon, Nathalie Tauziat reached the finals in the DFS Classic with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win today over Spain's Magui Serna.

The 31-year-old French woman hasn't lost a match on grass here since 1996 and is gearing up for another run atWimbledon.

In a late semifinal, No. 5 Julie Halard-Decugis led No. 8 Cara Black of Zimbabwe 6-4, 1-0 when play was suspended. The match will be completed tomorrow before the final.

Tauziat, still looking for her first Grand-Slam title, said her grass game is Wimbledon-ready.

Tauziat won here in 1997 and beat Steffi Graf in the semifinals last year before the final was rained out.