Tuesday, January 16, 2007

TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE .....


The Australian Open's Extreme Heat Policy (EHP) has been implemented for the first time this year as the temperature soared on Day Two.


Under the Policy," no new matches will commence on outside courts, but those already in progress will continue to their conclusion."


This means that for matches on show courts, which have yet to start, the roof can be closed. If you are already on court, it is tough luck, you have to play to a finish.


No.2 seed Maria Sharapova and Camille Pin, had to continue under an open roof in the Rod Laver Arena. The biggest name in Women's tennis was not happy and was close to going out, eventually winning 9-7 in the third set of a gruelling two and a half hour marathon, played in unbelievable courtside temperatures.


Sharapova described the conditions as "inhumane" and said she became "delusional", surely it would be fairer for play to stop on all courts, or make some provision to close the roof during a match.


Many hours later, in the "cool" of the Melbourne evening, the temperature was still pushing 36 degrees celsius.


On the football front, we have cup action in England, France, Spain and Scotland, plus lower league matches in Italy and England, where I can assure you EHP will not come into play, a flood warning is far more likely.


I am looking at three bets today and will return with the first, early this afternoon.


Several of you have asked me about the result in the Torneo Verano match in Argentina, that we discussed briefly yesterday, Independiente beat Boca 1-0 with a 70th minute goal. Think I will be returning to this tournament later in the week.


Back later.

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