LONDON. July 6: । Boris Beqker and ’Michael Stich made sure that it will be the first-ever all-German final at Wimbledon on. Sunday when they won their semifinals on a sun-baked Centre Court, reports AFP.

And the chances of another German "double" were very much on the cards with Steffi Graf playing her old rival Gabriela Sabatini of Argentina

when they won their semifinals on a sun-baked Centre Court, reports AFP.

And the chances of another German "double" were very much on the cards with Steffi Graf playing her old rival Gabriela Sabatini of Argentina for the women's crown.

Graf and Beck,er were Wimbledon: champions in 1989.

Becker needed some protective strapping for his right thigh but came safely through his showdown with big-serving American David Wheaton. He scored a 6-4, 7-6(7/4), 7-5 win in 2 hours 45 minutes.

Stich earlier notched up the day's major surprise when he put out defending champion Stefan Edberg 4-6.7-6(7/5). 7-6 (7/5). 7-6(7/2). That victory meant an extra bonus for Becker who consequently took over from the Swede as the world's number-one ranked player by reaching the final.

Becker, the champion here In 1985. 1986 and 1989 and

finalist in 1988 and 1990 and with an Incredible record at the Championships of having been beaten only four times in 46 matches since 1984. was always in charge against the unseeded Wheaton.

In a match dominated by big serves, the 6ft 4in. 20th ranked American, who 24 hours earlier put Andre Agassi out of the tournament, 'dropped his serve In the ninth game of the first set. He then lost the second by tie-break and finally surrendered the match th the twelfth game of the third when Becker swung a service return wide.

Twice Becker was 0-40 down on his service — in the fourth game of the second set and in the ninth game of the third — but both times he saved the situation with a series of bold serves and volleys.

Becker, visibly relieved to have come through to his sixth Wimbledon final, said "Anybody who reaches the final here can win the title. So‘to me it makes no difference If I am playing Stefana or Mlchaje.

"It will be an all-German final and I don't know what to say about that. We are good friends and we have become very close over the last ten

days. But a Wimbledon final can bring out a killer instinct"

Becker, who also world number-one for three weeks from January 28 before Edberg regained the status, admitted he had been angry all week ■over the scheduling and had often been guilty of outbursts on court.

'The problem has been the rain. I was always put down as the last to play and then the match wouldn't take place. The last three or four days, playing every day. have been

really tough for me."

Regarding his right thigh. Becker admitted: T needed to put on protective strapping. In fact after these past few days I couldn’t have played much longer. But they would have had to carry me off court like they did in 1972 for me to stop."

Asked if he thought Stich might be overcome by the big occasion. Becker smiled: "I hope he is nervous. But 1 doubt it. He is a very cool guy and he will take the pressure well."