Santoro, Mahut in storming Bastille Day wins at Newport

BOSTON, July 15 (Reuters) Fabrice Santoro and Nicolas Mahut celebrated Bastille Day in style by setting up the first all-French final in the 31-year history of the Hall of Fame Championship yesterday.

Fourth seed Santoro defeated South Africa's Wesley Moodie 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 after the fifth-seeded Mahut had come through 6-4 6-7 (7-2) 6-2 against Belgium's Dick Norman to advance to today's final.

"A good day for the French. A good week so far," Santoro told reporters after moving into his first final since winning his fourth ATP title in Dubai in 2002.

The countrymen, who warmed up together before their matches, both defeated unseeded players to reach the final.

Mahut will be looking for his first ATP title in only his second final after losing to Andy Roddick at Queen's last month.

"I know it's very painful to lose in the finals," Mahut said. "I don't want to do that." REUTERS BJR KN1554