He won 6-3 4-6 6-4, after a stunning match that had the audience on the edge of their seats.

"I think every match I've played against Pete has been a good match. The last time we played, in Munich, we played four sets and three of them were tie-breakers," he said afterwards.

"I think I've played some good tennis against him but just haven't been able to get over that hurdle. I think tomorrow will be decided by who serves well and takes their one or two chances. Hopefully it will be me."

Kafelnikov came into the match full of confidence having beaten Tim Henman after being 1-5 down in the final set.

But Rusedski broke the Russian in the first set and Kafelnikov never managed to recover.

The Briton completely stunned him with a combination of brilliant serves, volleys and newly improved back-hands.

Kafelnikov: Costly bad behaviour

Frustration took its toll when Kafelnikov came close to disqualification after a warnings for ball abuse and smashing his racket at the start of the third set.

It was an expensive mistake, giving Rusedski a vital break.

The Russian had just won the second set but then went 15-40 down on his own serve in the opening game of the third as Rusedski hit a winning forehand down the line to hold two break points.

The 24-year-old had already been cautioned in the second set for hitting a ball high into the stands in anger.

This time he stupidly banged his racket so hard on the ground that he smashed it.

German umpire Rudi Berger had no option but to award a penalty point against Kafelnikov so Rusedski gained a vital break to lead 1-0 without having to play another rally.

Kafelnikov protested so strongly he was almost disqualified there and then.

But there was no way back as Rusedski then found his best service rhythm and won his next five service games for the loss of only six points.

The victory keeps alive Rusedski's hopes of qualifying for the ATP Championships in Hanover later this month.

Kafelnikov also still has a chance of qualifying while Karol Kucera of Slovakia and Henman are almost certain to take the other vacant berths.

Sampras masters US rival

The British No 2 will now play World No 1 Pete Sampras, who improved his already impressive record against fellow American Todd Martin with a straight sets win in Paris.

Sampras: Number one for 244 consecutive weeks

Sampras went through 6-4, 7-6, in 90 minutes.

It was his 17th victory in 19 meetings with Martin, who was out of the game for seven months last year because of elbow and shin injuries.

There was no sign of the back problem which affected Sampras during his third round match with Jerome Golmard and he took the opening set after achieving a single break in the tenth game.

Martin saved six break points to force a tiebreak in the second set but Sampras earned two match points by threading a backhand pass down the line.

He was unable to capitalise on his first opportunity but produced his 11th ace of the match to take the tiebreak 7-5 and clinch victory.