right to contest Sunday's final, it will be the first time the two South Americans have faced each other.

"It's unbelievable that I've never played him before,'' said Lapentti looking forward to the match. "We're both from South America, I think he's a year younger than me, but we've never played, so it's a surprise.

"But I've seen him play -- he's a good player. He's strong and he hits the ball hard and I guess I'll just have to work hard on every point to win the match.'' That is certainly true. Canas, who has beaten Marcelo Craca of Germany, the big-serving Belarussian Max Mirnyi and livewire Belgian Christophe Rochus on the way to the semis, has won plenty of admirers for the way he plays. No cause is ever lost and he seems to play the game with a smile not too far below the surface.

His reputation will also have been enhanced by his performance in the opening round doubles classic on Wednesday when, in partnership with Diego Del Rio, and in front of the best crowd of the week, he narrowly lost to the pairing of Pat Rafter and Paul Kilderry.

Lapentti added: "He moves very well, he likes to run, so I guess it's going to be a very tough match. I'll just have to move the ball around, serve well and take my opportunities.'' That match is first up on centre court at 1.00 p.m and will be followed by Patrick Rafter's exhibition match against Richey Reneberg of the US.

Tournament organisers were waiting on the result of yesterday's quarter-final between Lapentti and Dier before deciding on Rafter's opponent.