October 08, 2006	Sunday	Ramazan 14, 1427

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TOKYO, Oct 7: World number one Roger Federer blasted past Germany's Benjamin Becker 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the Japan Open on Saturday.

Federer faces 10th seed Tim Henman in Sunday's final after the former British number one beat South Korea's Lee Hyung-taik 6-4 7-6 in the other Tokyo semi-final.

Top seed Federer never fully extended himself, the stylish Swiss taking exactly an hour to repel the 14th-seeded Becker with a supremely confident display.

“It was pretty straightforward,” beamed Federer after improving his win-loss record for the year to 76-5. “My dream was to be in the final. The last little bit is a bonus.

“It's a great opportunity to win my first tournament in Japan. It will be exciting to play Tim -- he's a good friend of mine.”

Federer had struggled to beat 1,078th-ranked Japanese player Takao Suzuki on Friday when he was briefly in danger of suffering the worst defeat by a world number one in ATP Tour history.

But the nine-times grand slam singles champion quickly discovered his touch against Becker, best known for ushering Andre Agassi into retirement at the U.S. Open last month.

Federer made light of swirling wind and the roar of helicopters buzzing over centre court as he tore through the first set in 36 minutes.

WILD FOREHAND: The second set was an even quicker affair, Federer forcing Becker into a wild forehand to break the German's serve again in the third game of the second set.

Federer finally put the German out of his misery with a blistering serve on his first match point to move to within one victory of his ninth title of the year.

Henman was helped by a controversial over-rule from the umpire while facing break point at 4-4 in the opening set against ninth seed Lee.

The second set went with serve but Henman's greater experience told in the tiebreak which he won 7-5 to reach his first final since losing to Federer at Indian Wells 2004.

“Roger is a good friend but I think I would have fancied my chances a bit more against Becker,” joked Henman, who won his last title at the 2003 Paris Masters.

“The courts are very quick and suit my game. I think if I play my style I can have an impact. I have nothing to lose and lots to gain.”

Henman has a 6-6 record against Federer but has lost their last five meetings.

“Roger is trying to prove he's the best player that's ever played the game,” said the 32-year-old. “To play him in the final will be very special.”

Results (semi-finals):

Men’s: Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Benjamin Becker (GER x14) 6-3, 6-4.

Tim Henman (GBR x10) bt Lee Hyung-Taik of Korea 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

Women’s: Aiko Nakamura (JPN) bt Chan Yung-jan (TPE) 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-4; Marion Bartoli (FRA x1) bt Camille Pin (FRA) 6-0, 6-1.—Agencies