The seventh-seeded Safin, a former world No. 1, was a walkover winner when another Russia native, Mischa Zverev, was unable to play because of an illness.

Safin, a surprise semifinalist in this season's Wimbledon grand slam, hasn't won a tournament since capturing the last of his 15 titles at the 2005 Australian Open.

The 71st-ranked Kunitsyn won his match 6-4, 6-3 over France's Fabrice Santoro, and will play in a final for the first time in his career Sunday.

Safin is 3-0 lifetime against Kunitsyn, including a 6-4, 6-3 triumph at the 2007 Kremlin Cup semifinals.

A first prize check of $171,000 awaits Sunday's champion.