Sampras has won 22 consecutive matches and four tournaments, including the Queen's Cup, Wimbledon and Los Angeles, in the second longest streak of his career. He won 29 in a row in 1994.

Sampras is 9-4 against Rafter, but Rafter had beaten Sampras three straight times, including here and at the US Open last year.

Only five players in the Open era have more victories than Sampras -- Jimmy Connors (109), Ivan Lendl (94), John McEnroe (77) and Bjorn Borg and Guillermo Vilas (62).

Winning the ATP Championship assured that Sampras will continue as the No 1 player in ATP Tour points. It will be his record 273rd week at No 1.

Williams triumphs

MANHATTAN BEACH: American Serena Williams overcame France's Julie Halard-Decugis with power and pinpoint shots to win the Acura Classic 6-1, 6-4 last evening.