Sampras showed the fighting form that made him the player of this decade as he easily handled Agassi, the 29-year-old comeback kid who stands No 1 in the world for the season after climbing 140 places in two years of struggle.

Just four days ago, Agassi claimed victory over Sampras in this round-robin event. Yesterday, Agassi celebrated the 600th singles win of his career to reach the final. Of active players, only Sampras (656) and Thomas Muster (622) have more singles match wins. Sampras, eager to be back on court and fighting fit after three months out with disc problems in his back, notched his 17th victory against just 11 losses in the series, which dates to 1989 on clay in Rome. The 1999 French and US Open winner Agassi came into the best-of-five confrontationundefeated at the year-ender and riding a wave of confidence.

But the bubble burst in front of new girlfriend Steffi Graf as Sampras once again imposed his lethal game on his rival from teenaged days in one hour, 46 minutes.

The winner was unstoppable, hitting 47 winners. Agassi was sub-par, with his 14 winners more than doubled by 31 unforced.