ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (TICKER) -- Two players who have started off strong in 1999 -- Russia's Yevgeny Kafelnikov and
third seed Tim Henman of Britain -- marched into the final of the ABN/AMRO World Tennis Tournament today with
straight-sets wins.

Looking to close the gap between himself and the world's No. 1 ranking, Kafelnikov, the reigning Australian Open champion
and second seed, moved into his second final of 1999 and second at this event by stopping fifth seed Greg Rusedski of
Britain, 6-4, 6-2.

Henman also advanced to his second ATP Tour final of the year by holding off Russian teenager Marat Safin, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6
(7-0).

Kafelnikov, who turned 25 on Thursday, captured his second career Grand Slam title last month by defeating Thomas Enqvist
in the final at Melbourne. He trails top-ranked Pete Sampras by only 345 points in the ATP rankings and could move within
30 of the American if he beats Henman in Sunday's final.

A finalist in 1996, Kafelnikov will seek his 19th career singles title on Sunday. Next week, he will defend his title at the
Guardian Direct Cup in London.

Henman, who lost to Kafelnikov in the 1996 semifinals, fired 16 aces and never faced a break point as he advanced to his
10th career ATP Tour final. In his one real lowlight this year, he suffered a shocking loss to unheralded German Rainer
Schuttler in the final at last month's Qatar Open.

On Sunday, the 24-year-old Henman will be gunning for his fifth career ATP Tour title and first since October in Basel,
Switzerland.

The 19-year-old Safin saved all four break points he faced, but was denied in his bid to reach his first ATP Tour final and a
chance to face his countryman.

Kafelnikov won two of three meetings against Henman last year, with the only loss coming in the final at Tashkent,
Uzbekistan.

First prize at the $725,000 event is $135,000.