Nieminen, a 20-year-old lefty, beat a second Swedish player in as many days, topping Enqvist 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, to extend a run without losing a set this week to seven matches including three during qualifying.

On Friday, Nieminen eliminated Stockholm Open champion Thomas Johansson with rather ease, 6-2, 6-4. He has played only four ATP matches in 2001 prior to this week.

The young Nieminen is attempting to become the first Finn to win an ATP level tournament when he takes on No. 6 Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands in Sunday's final. Schalken defeated fourth seed Guillermo Canas of Argentina, 6-4, 6-2.

Palin lost the final he reached on December 20, 1981 in Sofia, Bulgaria to Ricky Meyer. Due to this week's performance, Nieminen will become only the fifth player from Finland to break the top-100 in the rankings when they are released Monday.