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ATP World No. 1 Roger Federer beat Pete Sampras for the second time in three days 7-6(6), 7-6(5) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday. The match was part of Malaysia’s 50th anniversary celebrations of independence from Great Britain.

There were no breaks of serve en route to the first set tie-break, with Federer inching ahead due to a Sampras unforced error. The American fought back, but Federer clinched the 41-minute first set with a backhand volley.

ATP Profiles: Roger Federer | Pete Sampras

It was a similar affair in the second set before Federer dug deep to run out eventual winner 7-5.

"I had a taste of what the best is and I think Roger has that extra gear," said Sampras. "He has good volleys and he has this little backhand flick that honestly, I have never seen before... it's something that I didn't have."

Federer was equally full of praise for 36-year-old Sampras, saying he had lost little from his trademark serve.

"I am really, really impressed by the way he's been playing," said the Swiss. "He's got the most incredible serve you know. I can't read it, he serves it to the line, he serves harder than me."

The pair will play the final exhibition match in Macau, China, on Saturday.

Sampras won his final competitive match over Andre Agassi in the US Open final in September 2002. The American, who finished year-end World No. 1 six straight years between 1993-1998, officially retired one year later.

Federer and Sampras met only once at Wimbledon in 2001. Federer won the fourth round match 7-6(7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5. Match Stats

The final exhibition match will be broadcast live on The Tennis Channel. For more information click here.

Exhibition 1: Federer Wins First Clash in Seoul