Sampras wreaks revenge on Safin
Pete Sampras took just over an hour to pummel US Open conqueror and world number one Marat Safin 6-3 6-2 and book his place in the Masters Cup semi-finals in Lisbon.
The Wimbledon champion chalked up his 700th career victory to win the Red Group and set up a last-four showdown with either Gustavo Kuerten or Yevgeny Kafelnikov at the lucrative end-of-season tournament.
Safin will face Andre Agassi in the other semi-final after he finished in second spot in the group.
"That's the best I've played all week. The atmosphere was great and I played great," said Sampras, who was beaten in straight sets at the US Open final by the 20-year-old Russian.
"When I played him at the US Open I was a little bit cautious. Here, I wanted to be aggressive, chip and charge and it paid off.
"I'm hoping I can play even better tomorrow."
