WTA Bets 24/2

[CJ Mars]

Value WTA Bet Today at ffice:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comQatar (QF stage)ffice:office" /><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

C.Martinez to beat D.Hantchova 3.00 at Betfair

Cannot see how Hantchova is such a strong favorite here. Spanish veteran Martinez is of a small tournament win in Thailand and beat Myskina in straight sets in the second round yesterday. From reading match reports she completely frustrated the Russian with a wide variety of spin and drop shots. With an opponent as mentally suspect as Hantchova (her meltdown against Sharapova when up in the third set in the Oz Open this year will live long in my memory) these are the kind of tactics that will pay dividends. She also leads Hantchova 3-1 on head to heads (2 most recent from 2003) although none admittedly on hardcourt. Hantchova came through 2 tough games already dropping a set to Maleeva in the first round and one to Bovina in the second in a slightly surprising win. In 22 events last year Hantchova only managed to go beyond the quarter final stage twice (Hopman Cup and Eastbourne both of which she won). She has the potential to be top 10 but her mental strength and her long lay off with bulimia related problems have made her a dodgy punting proposition at odds on in my view.

This will be tight so another value bet might be to back either player to win 2-1. With odds around 4.5 widely available on both results this pays out at around 2.25.

[Mr Intensity]

Re: WTA Bets 24/2

From reading match reports she completely frustrated the Russian with a wide variety of spin and drop shots.

Aye, watched the match yesterday and she was in top form. The slice backhand is really penetrating and I think she missed 1 the entire match. She's also moving better than a couple of years ago and confidence must be high. Match reports should also show, however, that Myskina was serving extremely badly (worse than normal) and Martinez was on the offensive almost every point on Myskina's serve. Quite surprised by these prices, would make it about 60:40 to Hantuchova myself.