Sunday, February 18, 2007

SUNDAY TENNIS ROUND UP .....


Three finals, two bets , lots of news.


Let's start in San Jose, where Andy Murray defeated Andy Roddick in straight sets and meets the massive serving Ivo Karlovic, in the final. Karlovic had 25 aces in his first 11 service games yesterday and is closing in on 100 for the tournament. However, the British player is a fine returner and also out served Roddick, he is closing in on a top ten and probable top 5 place and should take this comfortably enough, but the odds are too skinny for me.


In Marseille, Marcos Baghdatis meets Gillles Simon in the final. The Frenchman did us a favour in the semis and I suggest we follow the same plan and back him to take a set. Baghdatis has withdrawn from the Rotterdam event next week, my understanding is that he is carrying some kind of hand or wrist injury and wants to rest. This must be a big plus for Simon backers.


Finally Kim Clijsters will be cheered to the rafters by 14,000 Belgians, when she meets Amelie Mauresmo in Antwerp. As we discussed yesterday the Frenchwoman has a huge incentive for winning the tournament and can almost touch the diamond encrusted racquet.


When I first saw the odds on the final, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, just could not believe how big Mauresmo was/is.


There is a negative, she did have a little pain in her upper leg/thigh, in her win over Chakvetdaze. However, I have reduced my stakes slightly to allow for that and she has had an additional 7-8 hours recovery time, having played early afternoon and Clijsters, fairly late last night. With the final set for 13.00 today, I consider this a huge advantage.


H2h is 8-6 in Clijsters favour, but Mauresmo has taken the last 4, including the final here, last year in 3 sets. I favour Amelie, who was very profitable for us last season and if it wasn't for the "thigh" concern, which is said to be minor, would suggest a very big bet indeed.


LAY 3 points Baghdatis to win 2-0 sets 2.04 Betfair ( 3.12 exposure).

4 points Mauresmo to beat Clijsters 2.49 Pinnacle, something similar is available on the exchanges.


Good Luck.


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