Roger Federer bids for a precedent-equalling 12th consecutive title on Sunday as the undisputed world number one clashes with his closest rival Andy Roddick in the final of the 550,000-dollar Thailand Open.
Top seed Federer improved his record this season of success to 68 wins and six losses, with three of the four Grand Slam titles in his possession for 2004 and top ranking status for the year already ensured.
In reaching the final, the Swiss destroyed the hometown victory dream of Bangkok's Paradorn Srichaphan with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 win.
Second seed Roddick reduced number three Marat Safin to a frustrated racket smash in their final-set tie-breaker, 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (0-7), 7-6 (7-2).
Each of the heavy hitters notched 18 aces in a balanced contest lasting two hours and four minutes.
The impeccable Federer is one win away from another all-time standard in the game.
Should he triumph on Sunday in the Thai capital, he would become only the third man in the history of tennis to win 12 trophies in a row. The others: Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe more than two decades ago.
The liklihood of more success looks strong, with Federer holding a 7-1 record against Roddick, whom he's beaten back-to-back at Wimbledon as well as in their last meeting in August in Canada.
Federer took one hour, 55 minutes to claim victory over Paradorn after losing his first set of the week.
"I'm sorry I had to beat Paradorn in Thailand," said the winner. "I know how much he wants to win here. I know how much it means to him here in Bangkok - but I know how I'd feel if he beat me at home."
The 20th-ranked Thai fell in a lighting-fast Federer reaction as the Swiss pounced with a break for 5-3 in the third and then served out the win. Paradorn was still pleased with a top effort at home.
"This was one of my best matches. I got a lot of energy and confidence from the crowd. It's always special to play at home in front of the fans and family and friends.
"It was a great match, I gave 110 percent," said the Thai.
Roddick admitted he squeezed through against the volatile Safin.
"I tried to be aggressive in the final tie-break," said the American who leads the ATP with 70 match wins since January.
"I went for more shots and I got lucky sometimes. I had some lucky second serves and he played better from the baseline than I did. I'm just glad I got through.
"It will be a fun final against Federer," he said, perhaps in jest after winning just one of the six sets the pair have played in 2004.
Paradorn, who failed in the upset in front of his home fans, said he was not overly upset to go down.
"I was thinking positive and went out there to play my best and have fun.
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