Roger Federer will meet Rafael Nadal in a second consecutive Madrid Masters final after beating David Ferrer of Spain, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, yesterday in Madrid.

Nadal came from behind to beat Spanish countryman Nicolas Almagro, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, in the first semifinal.

Last year, Federer beat then No. 1-ranked Nadal in the final for his second Madrid title.

Federer said he had not expected to wait a year to play Nadal again.

"After playing here last year you figured, maybe the French, Wimbledon or down the stretch in America at the latest we'll face off again, but it just never ended up happening," Federer said. "It shows how incredible our last few years have been and I think it's exciting for tennis and for us obviously that we can face off again."

Nadal, assured of returning to No. 2 in the rankings with yesterday's win, is aiming for his second title in Madrid.

Nadal is 14-0 on clay this season, winning titles in Monte Carlo and Rome. He has lost only two sets during that run, and is looking for a record 18th Masters title, including his previous Madrid title in 2005. Nadal and Andre Agassi have won 17 each, with Federer at 16.

"Whatever happens (in the final) I can say that this season has been very good. I'd say it's been perfect — or nearly perfect," Nadal said.

BOXING

KHAN WINS IN 11TH

Junior welterweight champion Amir Khan made a sensational American debut last night in New York, stopping former titleholder Paulie Malignaggi in the 11th round of a brutally efficient, one-sided fight.

Using superior speed and crisp right hands, the former British Olympian made good on his promise to quiet the flamboyant hometown challenger.

In the 11th round, Khan (23-1, 17 KOs) backed Malignaggi (27-4) against the ropes and threw a series of unanswered blows before referee Steve Smoger finally stepped between them at 1:25 of the round.

SOCCER

BAYERN MUNICH TOPS

Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga and German Cup double for the eighth time, routing Werder Bremen, 4-0, in the cup final last night in Berlin.

Arjen Robben converted a penalty kick in the 34th minute, Ivica Olic doubled the lead in the 51st, Franck Ribery added the third goal in the 63rd and Bastian Schweinsteiger completed the scoring in the 83rd.

Bayern extended its record German Cup titles to 15, one week after winning its 22nd league championship on the final day of the season.

HOCKEY

U.S. IN WORLD ROUT

Matt Gilroy scored a hat trick and the United States pounded Kazakhstan, 10-0, yesterday in the relegation round at the ice hockey world championship at Cologne, Germany.

TJ Oshie, Kyle Okposo, Nick Foligno, Ryan Potulny, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Kennedy and Chris Kreider also scored for the Americans, who had only tallied four goals in three first-round games.

The Americans play France today and must finish in the top two of the four-team Group G to avoid relegation.