DUSSELDORF, Germany, May 21 (UPI) -- Patrick Rafter defeated Pete Sampras Friday, 6-3, 7-5, to secure a berth in the finals for Australia over the United States in the round-robin portion of the $1.9 million ATP Tour World Team Championship. Rafter's clinching win came after Mark Philippoussis outlasted Richey Reneberg 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, in the opening match, setting up a meeting with Sweden in the finals. Reneberg and Jonathan Stark salvaged some pride in the doubles with a 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over Pat Cash and Sandon Stolle. Just two months before their highly anticipated Davis Cup showdown, Australia knocked out the Americans. Both nations had been undefeated in Blue Group play. Sampras has competed in only five events this season, but won his first two singles matches in the round robin in preparations for the French Open, the only Grand Slam he has never won. Rafter lost to Gustavo Kuerten in Sunday's final of the Italian Open in Rome and was denied in becoming the world's No. 1 player. Rafter beat Sampras for the fourth time in 12 all-time meetings, but for the third time in the last two years, including a five-set win in the U.S. Open semifinals. Sweden finished with a 2-1 record in the round robin to win the Red Group. Spain, the defending champion, also finished 2-1 in the round robin after beating Germany, 2-1. But Sweden earned a berth in Saturday's final due to its victory over Spain on Monday.  