<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title>Live Wimbledon Blog : Tennis</title>
        <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/</link>
        <description></description>
        <language>en</language>
        <copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:22:43 +0000</lastBuildDate>
        <generator>http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/</generator>
        <docs>http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification</docs>
        
        <item>
            <title>Live Wimbledon Blog: Federer v Nadal by Sean Calvert</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Live scoring and betting updates from the hotly anticipated men's final with Sean Calvert</strong></p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-federer-v-nadal-by-sean-calvert-060708.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-federer-v-nadal-by-sean-calvert-060708.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Rafael Nadal</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Roger Federer</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon Men&apos;s Final</category>
            
            <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:22:43 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Wimbledon Live Blog: Williams v Williams by Gary Boswell</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>The Boz will keep you in touch with all the action from Wimbledon as Venus takes on Serena</strong></p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-williams-v-williams-by-gary-boswell-050708.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-williams-v-williams-by-gary-boswell-050708.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Serena Williams</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Venus Williams</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon Ladies Final</category>
            
            <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:58:51 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Wimbledon Live Blog: Day Eleven</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>It's semi-finals day at Wimbledon and the enigmatic Marat Safin takes on the King of Wimbledon Roger Federer. That is followed by veteran Schuettler facing the mammoth task of a showdown against Rafael Nadal. Sean Calvert is with us today to keep us updated on the developments.</strong></p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-eleven-040708.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-eleven-040708.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Roger Federer</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">tennis betting</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon bets</category>
            
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:44:15 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Live Wimbledon Blog: Day Ten</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>It's semi-final day in the ladies draw and the Williams sisters are looking a safe bet to be playing the final on Saturday. Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco will be in the hot seat for the first hour or so with Sean Calvert taking over from that point onwards. If you want to e-mail either us with your thoughts or comments write to sw19betfairblogger@hotmail.co.uk.</strong><br />
</p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-day-ten-030708.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-day-ten-030708.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Dementieva</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon bets</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon betting</category>
            
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:56:46 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Wimbledon Live Blog: Day Nine</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Sean Calvert will bring you all the action from Wimbledon as the Murray-Nadal quarter-final takes centre stage</strong></p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-nine-020708.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-nine-020708.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Andy Murray</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Rafael Nadal</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon</category>
            
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:47:09 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Wimbledon Live Blog: Day Eight</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>No Murraymania today but four fantastic quarter-finals in the women's draw to look forward to as a Williams/Williams final looms.  "Magical" Matthew Walton is the man in the hotseat today. Email your comments to <strong>sw19betfairblogger@hotmail.co.uk</strong></p>

<p><br />
<strong>And that's it for the day.  The SF line-up is complete as Elena Dementieva will play Venus and Jie Zheng will play Serena.  These matches taking place on Thursday.  </strong></p>

<p><strong>Tomorrow it's the return of Murray, Federer, Nadal et al for QF's day on the men's side of the draw.  My thanks for your comments, do join us tomorrow for a fascinating day's action, all blogged for you here on Betfair. </strong></p>

<p><br />
<strong>17.00</strong> - <em>Declan P.</em> asks about the best player I've seen today.  Would have to be Serena, by a mile.  She's played powerful and relatively error free tennis to dominate a useful looking opponent.  Venus was very hit and miss and Dementieva will have to step up on the positive thinking to progress.  Zheng and Vaidisova look a little short of class.  I'd fancy Serena to beat Venus in the final ...</p>

<p>Right on cue Serena wins 6-4 6-0 and makes it into the SF's where it looks like she'll play Zheng who is within touching distance as well, it's now 5-1 to her in the third set.  Make that 6-1!   <br />
  <br />
<strong>16.50</strong> - double-break for Serena on Centre and Radwanska is looking down the barrel here, still a promising effort by the Pole thus far and one for your notebooks.  It's 6-4 4-0 for Williams.</p>

<p>Has the telling blow been made on Court 1?  Zheng breaks for 3-1.  If she can just hold for 4-1 then Vaidisova will have a mountain to climb.  Touch of the Petrova's!</p>

<p><strong>16.40</strong> - first set to Serena 6-4 but a competitive workout for sure, Radwanska has been no push-over.  However, Williams makes possibly the killer-blow to break in the first game of the second set.</p>

<p>Zheng and Vaidisova are 1-1 in their decider on Court 1.</p>

<p><strong>16.30</strong> - Serena breaks again to lead 4-3 and hovers around [1.15] then holds for a 5-3 first set lead.  It's her power which the Pole has little answer to but at least she holds her own serve to make Serena serve for the set at 5-4.</p>

<p>On Court 1, Vaidisova bravely holds to stay in the match at 5-5 in the second set with Zheng, then breaks Zheng to give herself a chance to level the match.  She serves at 6-5 and takes it!  We're one set all and Vaidisova who was traded at [4.80] is now the [1.81] jollly!     </p>

<p><strong>16.20</strong> - Radwanska breaks back for 2-2, game on!  Trading around [4.2] I can see a few people having a dart at this girl.  She certainly doesn't seem over-awed.  Holds for 3-2 and Williams will have to play well here to win.  Serena holds herself for 3-3.</p>

<p>Zheng holds serve for 5-4 and now Vaidisova serves to stay in that match.   </p>

<p><strong>16.10</strong> - Vaidisova finally makes the break points tell.  She breaks Zheng to lead 3-2 in the second set ... only to be broken straight back!  It's 6-2 3-3 Zheng serving.</p>

<p>Serena and Radwanska are underway on Centre.  They share the first two games before Serena breaks to lead 2-1. However, it's clear the Pole is no forelorn hope.<br />
 <br />
<strong>16.00</strong> - next up on Centre is Serena Williams against Agnieszka Radwanska, they've played once before and Serena won (clay, Berlin).  However, the Pole just won Eastbourne so she's got some form on the green stuff.</p>

<p>On Court 1, Vaidisova has had more break points than Zheng (6 to 4) but hasn't taken any.  It's 2-2 in the second set as the Chinese girl trades at [1.40], Vaidisova [3.3].</p>

<p><strong>15.50</strong> - G-S-M to Dementieva.  Only about an hour later than it should have been.  She wins 6-1 6-7 6-3 after doing her best to <em>'do a Gasquet'</em>.  The No.5 seed will now play Venus in the SF's on Thursday.</p>

<p>Zheng takes the first set 6-2 on Court 1 and then holds for 1-0 in the second.  Time for Nicole to get her skates on or this match will slip away from her.   </p>

<p><strong>15.40</strong> - <em>John K. </em>and <em>Andy H.</em> both ask how I think Demetieva would fare against Venus in the SF's.  She must have a decent shot is the answer.  I know Venus holds a 5:2 advantage on past meetings but she didn't look unbeatable today and Dementieva has more power and athletic ability than Tanasugarn.  Not a shoo-in.</p>

<p>Petrova holds for 4-2 but Dementieva holds, just about, for 5-2.  Her problem with Venus might be mental, if she gets a chance to win has she got the <em>'Slazengers'</em> to take it. </p>

<p>Zheng keeps her nose in front of Vaidisova.  It's now 5-2 to the Chinese girl but Vaidisova is no forlorn hope at [2.58].  </p>

<p><strong>15.30</strong> - fair play to Dementieva.  She could have fallen apart after that second set but she's picked herself up, mentally, to race to a 4-0 lead in the decider.  Then again, she's just been broken for 4-1.  Surely Petrova can't save it from here?</p>

<p>Vaidisova gets on the board on Court 1 but it's still Zheng who has the edge in that match.  She leads 3-1 and then has another easy hold to go 4-1 up before Vaidisova closes the gap again at 4-2.  Still a break down.<br />
 <br />
<strong>15.20</strong> - early break for Zheng to lead 2-0.  Pre-match she was [2.18] and after two games she's into [1.52].  Nothing like a measured approach from the backers!  Vaidisova blows three break points and now it's 3-0 Zheng.  <br />
  <br />
Dementieva breaks for 2-0 in the third set, then holds for 3-0.  Was Petrova's comeback all in vain?<br />
 <br />
<strong>15.10</strong> - Next up on Court 1 it's Jie Zheng against the No.18 seed, Nicole Vaidisova.  These two have met twice before, Vaidisova has won them both.  The last meeting was back in 2006.  Zheng serves first and holds for 1-0.</p>

<p>On Centre, poor Elena Dementieva.  She should have her feet up by now, quietly slurping a Pimms & Lemonade instead she's in a war with Petrova.  Dementieva holds for 1-0 in the decider but can you risk her at [1.58]?    </p>

<p><strong>15.00</strong> - Dementieva completely losing the plot on Centre.  She led 6-1 5-1 and now it's one set all.  The No.5 seed had match points at 6-4 in the tie-break and missed them both.  Petrova has been traded at [200.00] and Dementieva for big money at [1.01] and now it's a 50/50 match!!! </p>

<p>On Court 1, Venus is through but a pretty poor standard of performance from such a quality player.  Tanasugarn put up a decent fight but just came up short.  Williams wins 6-4 6-3.<br />
    <br />
<strong>14.50</strong> - Petrova holds for 6-5.  Five games on the spin and Dementieva now has to hold for a tie-break.  That wasn't in the script.  She goes to 40-0 then back to deuce before holding to make it 6-6.  Could we be heading for a deciding set?</p>

<p>Venus holds for 5-3 but it's another struggle for the American.  Tanasugarn serves to stay in the match.<br />
 <br />
<strong>14.40</strong> - <em>Mark S.</em> questions my apparent 'lack of credit' to Ms. Williams.  My point is that both she and her sister might well be fantastic athletes, and created a great surge of interest in the women's game, but neither possess great tennis grace or guile.  To my eye, their style is crude but effective.  That's putting it a bit harshly I know but hopefully you get my drift.</p>

<p><strong>Hello!!</strong>  What's this on Centre?  It's now 5-5 in the second set as Petrova fights back.  She has been traded at [200.00] for this match ... oh dear!  She's now into [4.3]. </p>

<p>Tanasugarn has two break points for 3-3 in the second but Venus powers her way back to maintain the break at 4-2.<br />
 <br />
<strong>14.30</strong> - Petrova holds serve, no mean achievement for her today, to keep the match alive at 5-2 in the second set.  The she breaks to bring it back to 3-5.  A case of what might of been or the start of a Murray-esque recovery.  We shall see.</p>

<p>Venus still holds sway on Court 1.  The first set was a close run thing but Tanasugarn has just fallen a fraction off the pace to allow Williams to edge ahead.  However, I return to my earlier point, a better player than the Thai would have had the American in all sorts of trouble.  This hasn't been an impressive performance at all.<br />
 <br />
<strong>14.20</strong> - Dementieva gets the double-break in the second to lead 6-1 4-1 and this match looks all but over as Petrova is offering little resistance.  Now it's 5-1 ... time to get your coat Nadia.  </p>

<p>Meanwhile on Court 1, Venus breaks Tanasugarn to lead 6-4 1-0 and this match is also starting to look a tad terminal for the diminutive Thai.  More so as she easily holds to love for 2-0.   <br />
 <br />
<strong>14.10 </strong> - <em>Paul J.</em> writes that such uncompetitive fare is poor for the QF's of a Slam.  Fair point, really.  There does seem to be a slight vacuum in the women's game with Henin, Davenport, Hingis, Pierce etc missing.  Does have the feel of the Russian National Grass Court Championships!  Mind you, it was the US version for long enough!</p>

<p>Venus falls over the line to make it 6-4 and take the first set.  Pretty unconvincing stuff by the No.7 seed.  A better player would have her in trouble.  Still, the [1.07] appears the only option.  Over on Centre it's 3-1 Dementieva and she leads by a set to love.</p>

<p><strong>14.00</strong> - Dementieva breaks in the first game of the second set to lead 6-1 1-0.  It's now a long way back for Petrova who looked good for the first 5 or 6 minutes of this match but has steadily fallen apart to trade as big as [8.6].</p>

<p>Venus holds for 5-3 then Tansugarn (clearly the fans' favourite in this match) struggles to hold serve ... and finally does for 5-4.  Venus now serves for the first set.  </p>

<p><strong>13.50</strong> - a marathon sixth game on Court 1.  Tanasugarn has several chances to break serve but misses the lot.  Venus moves to 4-2 before Tanasugarn manages a crucial hold to keep it at 4-3.  Venus still has the break.</p>

<p>Dementieva gets the double-break on Centre. She leads 5-1 and holds to take the first set 6-1. Petrova is friendless, spiking at [6.4].  However, she still seems worth a dart at such a price.  This match could easily be a lot closer.  </p>

<p><strong>13.40 </strong>- another break on Court 1 sees Venus sneak ahead 3-2 with a break but Tansugarn is definitely a feisty opponent.  Clearly a fighter.  </p>

<p>Dementieva breaks to 15 for a 3-1 lead in the first.  Petrova hits [4.00] which still seems big as this match, on the stats, is a close one.   </p>

<p><strong>13.30</strong> - Petrova trails 0-40 on serve to level at deuce, Dementieva misses two break points and the No.21 seed eventually holds for 1-1.  Then Petrova has a three break points and blows them as Dementieva holds for 2-1, on serve.  This match could be close. </p>

<p>On Court 1, Tanasugarn is finding Venus a handful.  She saves one break point at 15-40 but Venus breaks her on the net point to lead 2-1 with the break.  Should have taken that [1.18] while you had the chance ... or should you as Tanasugarn breaks back for 2-2.   </p>

<p><strong>13.20</strong> - Dementieva makes slightly heavy weather of the first game on Centre but holds to lead 1-0.  Tanasugarn serves on Court 1, leads 40-0, wobbles but holds to 30.  Her first Slam QF aged 31 as the TV informs us, the last person you'd want to play would be Venus!</p>

<p><strong>13.10</strong> - On centre Dementieva plays Petrova.  The No.5 seed trails her opponent 4:7 on past meetings and is 0:2 on grass (Petrova trounced Dementieva here in 2000 6-1 6-1).  So why is she the [1.68] favourite?  Petrova is the strict form call at [2.46].</p>

<p>On Court 1, Venus leads Tanasugarn 6:0 and trades around [1.18], arguably a fair price for a proven winner.  After all, what beat Jankovic in the last round?  Injury or the Thai player's brilliance?</p>

<p><strong>13.00</strong> - Good afternoon everybody .... It's been something of a strange tournament for the women.  The first time in the Open era that all of the top four seeds has failed to make it to the QF's.  Mind you, in Ivanovic, Jankovic, Sharapova and Kuznetsova have we ever had a less impressive bunch of top seeds for a Slam?  By all means send your answers over on an e-postcard to <strong>sw19betfairblogger@hotmail.co.uk</strong></p>

<p>No doubt music to the ears of the Williams sisters.  They have won 6 of the 8 titles since 2000 (Venus 4, Serena 2) and met each other in the finals of 2002 and 2003, both of which Venus won.  It's odds-on they will meet up again come Saturday but lets's get today's action out of the way first.</p>

<p>We start on Centre with Dementieva against Petrova and on Court 1 it's Venus taking on Tamarine Tanasugarn ...</p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-9-010708.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-9-010708.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">tennis bets</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Venus Wilaims</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">women&apos;s tennis</category>
            
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:47:09 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Live Wimbledon Blog: Day Seven</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Gary Boswell is the man in the hot seat on a day where Federer locks horns with former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, Nadal faces the dangerous Youzhny and the Williams sisters both play on the "Graveyard of Champions". Oh, and Richard Gasquet plays some bloke called Murray...</strong></p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-day-eight-300608.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-day-eight-300608.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Andy Murray</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon betting</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon Centre Court</category>
            
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:36:08 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Wimbledon Live Blog: Day 6</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Matthew Walton is our man in the hotseat at Wimbledon today.  Email him on sw19betfairblogger@hotmail.co.uk.</strong></p>

<p><br />
Welcome to <strong>Day 6</strong> of Wimbledon.  </p>

<p>Some interesting matches in store on both sides of the draw including a number of potentially close matches which should provide some good trading opportunities.  More of those anon plus Rafa, Venus, Andy Murray, Jelena Jankovic and everybody's favourite under-achiever, Richard Gasquet.  Comments to <strong>sw19betfairblogger@hotmail.co.uk</strong></p>

<p><br />
<strong>19.00</strong> - last update of the day and you can't help feeling these guys will be at it into the wee small hours.  Youzhny and Stepanek are one set all 7-5 6-7 so we have two, if not three, more sets to go there on Court 2.  Rafa and Kiefer have barely broken sweat on Centre, Kiefer leads 2-1 on serve. Mathieu and Cilic are 5-5 in the first set.  </p>

<p><em><strong>My thanks to those of who who wrote in.   Remember to come back on Monday for Day 7 of the championships and I'll be back on Tuesday.   Enjoy your weekend.  </strong></em>     <br />
  <br />
<strong>18.50 </strong> - burning the midnight oil, Mathieu and Cilic are 4-4 on Court 11.  They've played twice on grass in the last couple of weeks and it's one win apeice.  Very tough match to call.  Nadal leads Kiefer 2:0 on past meetings, both on hard this year, and he should really get this one done in routine fashion.  Stepanek and Youzhny are into a second set tie-break. <br />
 <br />
<strong>18.40</strong> - the day's final two matches are Nadal/Kiefer on Centre and Mathieu/Cilic on Court 11.  Even with the good weather they might struggle for time if they go deep into the fourth or even fifth sets.  We'll be with you until 7.00pm to see both games get underway.  Stepanek ties it up at 4-4 but trails Youzhny by a set to love.<br />
 <br />
<strong>18.30</strong> - Murray wins 6-4 6-7 6-3 6-2.  A good win but my one comment is that Haas is a bit of a spent force these days.  There will be sterner tests to come, such as Gasquet who will be very tempting at a decent odds-against price when they meet in R4.  But he won well enough today so let's not rain on his parade. </p>

<p>Youzhny breaks for 4-2 but Stepanek breaks back for 3-4, on serve, in the second set.  <br />
 <br />
<strong>18.20</strong> - Peer defeats Safina 8-6 in the third.  It has taken over three hours - a marathon for a women's match.  Murray has finally broken in the fourth set to lead 3-2 and just needs a few good service games to see off the determined Haas.  Youzhny is 7-5 2-1 up on Stepanek and trades at [1.72].    </p>

<p><strong>18.10</strong> - <em>Graham</em> asks if Gasquet really is 'all that' after his patchy performance today.  I take you point, Graham, but the guy is an excellent shot-maker and a proven grass court winner (twice at Nottingham).  Mentally, a total flake, but is Murray proving himself to be a ruthless operator in this match with Haas.  It's 1-2 Murray serving in the fourth.</p>

<p>Youzhny has taken the first set 7-5 - did you get the [2.38] about him?  Peer and Safina continue on and on and on ... Mathieu and Cilic must be bored senseless. <br />
   </p>

<p><strong>18.00</strong> - third set to Murray 6-3.  Now, if this was Tim Henman he would definitely lose the next set.  Let's see what our Andy does.  Meanwhile, Youzhny saved break points at 4-4 on serve and had set points at 5-4.  Missed 'em though.  He looks the value in this one at [2.38].  Peer/Safina are 6-6 in the third, that one could go on all night!      <br />
  <br />
<strong>17.50</strong> - promises to be a late finish here at SW19 as Nadal and Kiefer plus Mathieu and Cilic are yet to make it out of the Locker Room.  Murray leads 5-2 in the third and is threatening to pull away again.<br />
 <br />
<strong>17.40</strong> -  Stepanek and Youzhny are all square at 3-3 in the first set, Safina serves for the match at 5-4 and manages to blow it.  This is a match she is trying very, very hard to lose!  Murray has the break in the third against Haas, he leads 4-1 and trades at [1.25]. <br />
 <br />
<strong>17.30 </strong> - The euphoria on the first set is fast fading on Centre as Murray is getting into a war with Haas.  These late afternoon matches have that feel about them - the crowd are getting a bit hot and bothered, our man's not bombing this guy off the court, the merest whiff of an upset is in the air.  So, who laid Haas at [15.00] - feeling confident?<br />
   <br />
Stepanek and Youzhny start on Court 2.  Another match which could be close.  Youzhny has been off the pace a bit this year and Stepanek is another who is hard to fathom.  Could be another for the long haul.  Safina/Peer is the last women's match of the day and Safina - making suitable heavy weather of it - is 5-3 up in the third set. </p>

<p><strong>17.20</strong> - Murray drops the second set to Haas 7-6.  Are you Henman in disguise comes the cry?  On Court 1, Gasquet breaks Simon to lead 5-3 and he serves for the set and the match.  Which he duly does.  Typically erratic display from my favourite Frenchman.  He'll be a big, big danger if Murray disposes of Haas ...  <br />
 <br />
<strong>17.10</strong> - Tipsarevic takes it 7-6 7-6 6-3 against Tursunov.  Gasquet breaks back to make it 3-3 in the fourth set with Simon.  Safina is a break up in the third against Peer -this game really has been a trader's paradise.</p>

<p>Big second set tie-break for Murray and Haas. The German has already been traded at [15.00] -a tad premature, methinks.  </p>

<p><strong>17.00</strong> - <em>Paul F.</em> questions my support for Murray.  Hey, the guy is good but let's put it in perspective.  His two main rivals are Nadal (four time Slam winner) and Djokovic (Slam winner) come on Andy, show us your medals!  As per usual, we lose all sense of perspective with our own talent.  Let's see him win a Masters Series event before we even begin to, start to, try to think of him as a Slam winner.</p>

<p>Kudryavtseva follows up that Sharapova win to take out Peng in three sets 6-3 1-6 6-4.  Safina wins the second set 7-6 to force a third set with Shahar Peer.  Simon leads Gasquet [1.33] - tempted? - 3-1 in the fourth.</p>

<p>Murray is broken by Haas to level it at 4-4 in the second set, Centre Court is stunned by the German's impudence.    </p>

<p><strong>16.50 </strong> - True to form, Gasquet is starting to implode.  He drops the third set and loses serve to begin the fourth.  It's 6-3 6-3 6-7 0-2 against Simon on Court 1.  Oh dear!</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Safina battled back from 1-4 to level it at 4-4, trail 4-5, level at 5-5 and then drop serve again for 5-6 and breaks again for 6-6.  She must win the tie-break to force a decider.  On Court 18, Clement beats Melzer in four sets, Tipsarevic is 7-6 7-6 4-1 up on Tursunov.</p>

<p><strong>16.40</strong> - Tipsarevic breaks in the third set to lead 3-0, that must be game over given the way this match has gone.  Gasquet loses the third set to Simon and drifts to [1.14] but is he in any danger?  Well, he shouldn't be.  Murray is a set and a break up on Haas and the commentators are besides themselves.  Is this the next Tim Henman we're seeing?  That is, the next glorious British failure at Wimbledon?  Quite possibly.  </p>

<p><strong>16.30</strong> - Murray takes the first set 6-4 to rapturous applause.  Petrova closes out the win over Azarenka 7-6 7-6 on Court 3.  Quietly does it for the No21 seed.  Safina gets back to 4-4 only to drop serve to the No.24 seed, Shahar Peer, to trail 4-5 and then breaks back to 5-5!!   </p>

<p><strong>16.20</strong> - Clement breaks in the fourth set to lead 3-1, is that it for Melzer who took the first set but has steadily declined ever since.  Tipsarevic and Tursunov, guess what?  Another tie-break.  Which Tipsarevic, again, has won to lead 2-0 in sets.  Safina is on the comeback trail, from 1-4 in the second set it's now 4-4.  Murray is serving at 5-4 in the first.       </p>

<p><strong>16.10</strong> - Murray breaks Haas early and leads 4-2. Hysteria on Centre - if not from Tim Henman in the Commentary Box.  Clement takes the third set 6-4 but that match still looks far from over.  Melzer might be worth a dart at [4.5].  It's looking near over for Safina though as she trails Peer 7-5 4-1.  Peng and Kudryavtseva are one set all on Court 14.</p>

<p>Tipsarevic and Tursunov are still trading serves, it's 5-5 in the second set and Gasquet is 2-3 on serve against Simon but two sets to the good.      </p>

<p><strong>16.00</strong> - touched a nerve with you Federer fans <em>(Joe S., Roger T.)</em> I just think he's become refreshingly human this year.  Ask yourself this question - has he improved on grass since last year or has Nadal?  And given the close nature of last year's final that, to me, suggests that the Spaniard can nail him this year ... should they meet of course!</p>

<p>Gasquet takes the second set 6-3, a scrappy game but he's getting the job done.  Peer goes a break up in the second set against Safina, the No.9 seed is in big, big danger.  Clement is serving for a 2-1 set lead over Melzer.  Meanwhile, on Court 2, can we have a break point, please!</p>

<p>Murray is underway against Haas on Centre ...</p>

<p><strong>15.50</strong> - Tipsarevic and Tursunov are having a serve-fest on Court 2, a match with little in it although Tipsarevic trades at [1.46] - interesting.  Gasquet breaks again to lead 5-3 in the second, his matches are hardly dull affairs - remember the Roddick match last year?  Safina drops the first set against Peer 7-5, she was traded at [1.10], time to take the [1.95] like in the Jankovic match?  </p>

<p><strong>15.40</strong> - Gasquet breaks back to 2-2 and then loses serve to trail 2-3 and then breaks for 3-3!!  This guy, I feel, is the most talented player outside of the big three.  He's won titles on every surface but mentally he just lets himself down so many times.  </p>

<p>Jankovic wins on Centre and heads for the treatment table, a good trade when she drifted out to [2.04] after that awful first set.  Petrova takes the first set tie-break 13-11 against Azarenka, Safina and Peer are 5-5 first set and on Court 14 Kudryavtseva takes the first set against Peng of China 6-3.</p>

<p><strong>15.30</strong> - Clement [1.80] is favourite to beat Melzer but it's a dangerous call after two evenly contested sets.  Safina and Peer are on serve on Court 11 in the first set.  Jankovic is holding on against Wozniacki on Centre, now 5-2 in the third.  And Simon breaks at the start of the second set against Gasquet - oh, the wonderfully unreliable Gasquet strikes again!</p>

<p><em>Sean J.</em> writes to ask if Federer is now a shoo-in for the title after Djokovic's demise.  I'd still be circumspect of the No.1 seed, should Nadal make the final that's a real 50/50 call.  The Spaniard had his chances in last year's final and his run at Queen's was impressive, especially in beating Karlovic and Djokovic.  We'll see how he fares later against Kiefer - which should be a good test of his credentials.      </p>

<p><strong>15.20</strong> - Jankovic is still struggling with a leg injury but still holds sway in the third, 3-1.  She may well limp over the line!  Clement has levelled at one set all with Melzer.  Gasquet takes the first set 6-3, Tipsarevic takes the tie-break on Court 2 to land the first set.   </p>

<p><strong>15.10</strong> - Simon looks like a rabbit in the headlights as Gasquet storms into a good early 5-2 lead.  Jankovic gets the break at the start of the third set to lead 1-0, we highlighted her at [2.04] now she's around [1.30].  Tipsarevic and Tursunov look tie-break bound in their first set on Court 2.  </p>

<p><strong>15.00</strong> - Gasquet gets the early break to lead 3-1 and trades at around [1.09], Jankovic levels the match at one set all.  Clement loses the first set 4-6 but races back to lead the second 4-1.  The No.9 women's seed, Dinara Safina, begins on Court 11 and on Court 3 it's early days for Azarenka and Petrova.   </p>

<p><strong>14.50</strong> - Tipsarevic starts out against Tursunov.  Many will expect him to fank the form of the Roddick match.  Melzer serves for the first set on Court 18 against Clement - and takes it 6-4.  Jankovic still leads in the second set, with a break, 5-3.    </p>

<p><strong>14.40</strong> - next up on Court 1 it's Gasquet/Simon.  Arguably the biggest under-achaiver on the tour, Gasquet should put this guy to the sword.  As I said to <em>Martin R.</em> if he and Murray both win, the Frenchman could be a decent bet in R4.  Tansugarn battles back to beat Erakovic 4-6 6-4 6-4, we did say that match might have some life in it after the first set.  Clement levels with Melzer at 4-4 in the first ...<br />
 <br />
<strong>14.30</strong> - Dementieva falls over the line 7-6 7-5 against Dulko, a supremely unspectacular victory by the No.5 seed.  Tansugarn and Erakovic are 4-4 in the third on Court 11.  Venus takes out Martinez Sanchez 6-1 7-5.  Melzer gets the first break of the match against Clement on Court 18 to lead 3-2 - tough match to call that one, could go the distance.  Jankovic leads 3-1 in the second set against Wozniacki and still looks the call at [1.55].    </p>

<p><strong>14.20</strong> - <em>Martin R</em>. writes to ask my views on Murray/Haas.  I hope the Scot wins, I really do - and he should do.  Only because I also hope Gasquet beats Simon to set up a potentially tasty bet on the Frenchman in the next round.</p>

<p>Jankovic breaks at the start of the second set to lead 2-0, the comeback is on!  Schuettler takes out Garcia-Lopez 62 6-3 6-4.  Dementieva breaks to lead 6-5 and serves for the match.</p>

<p><strong>14.10</strong> - Wozniacki takes the first set 6-2, time to take the [2.04] about Jankovic?  Meanwhile, Martinez Sanchez breaks back to make it 4-4 in the second set against Venus.</p>

<p><strong>14.00</strong> - Wozniaki breaks Jankovic to lead 5-2 ... the No.2 seed is in real trouble here.  Tansugarn takes the second set against Erakovic and goes to [1.85], she was bigger than [3.00] having dropped the first set.  Schuettler leads 4-1 in the third with a double break and Venus is now a set and break up on Martinez Sanchez.  Kleybanova has beaten Sugiyama 6-4 6-4.</p>

<p><strong>13.50</strong> - Jankovic is making a slow start to her match.  It's 2-2 but neither player has shown much thus far.  Is she a realistic title winner?  I'm not so sure.  Only by default it seems.  Garcia-Lopez breaks back to 1-1 in the third only for Schuettler to break again for 2-1.  Clearly not the Spaniard's day.  Dementieva is struggling to put Dulko away on Court 2.  After taking the first set you'd expect her to race to victory ... it's 3-2 Dulko, on serve, in the second.  This ain't too impressive by the No.5 seed. </p>

<p><strong>13.40</strong> - Jankovic starts against Wozniacki on Centre.  Should be a breeze for the No.2 seed, we shall see.  Martinez Sanchez gets one game on the board to trail 1-5 but Venus takes the next game to win the set 6-1.  Schuettler breaks in the first game of the third set to lead 6-2 6-3 1-0.  Game over.  So answer me this, who turned the lights out on his career after the 2003 Australian Open final?  Never been the same since.     </p>

<p><strong>13.30</strong> - Venus clearly has other things planned for this afternoon as she intends to spend as little time on court as possible.  Already 5-0 up on Martinez Sanchez the dreaded [1.01] has already been reached.  Tanasugarn breaks to lead 3-1 in the second against Erakovic, as we said, there's still plenty of life left in that match.  Schuettler breaks to lead 5-3 in the second as Garcia-Lopez is looking pretty near done for the day.</p>

<p><strong>13.20</strong> - Venus starts out on Court 1.  I still have my doubts as to her focus for the game these days.  Sure, grass plays to her strengths but there's a lot of bright young talent out there.  On Court 2 Dementieva takes the first set 7-6 as Dulko from 4-0 up has blown it.</p>

<p>On the outside courts, Kleybanova has taken the first set gainst Sugiyama 6-4 and Erakovic leads Tansugarn by a set as well (also 6-4).  However, both those matches may be far from over.  Schuettler leads 4-3 on servce and by a set against Garcia-Lopez.  </p>

<p><strong>13.10</strong> - the Dementieva match highlights what we could see a lot of today.  Plenty of close matches and we will see guys lead 2-1 and throw it away, maybe 2-0.  Same goes for the women.  Coming up Melzer/Clement, Tipsarevic/Tursunov, Mathieu/Cilic and Stepanek/Youzhny will all have a few twists and turns.  Also Sugiyama/Kleybanova and Tanasugarn/Erakovic look promising.  These are the matches to focus on this afternoon.</p>

<p>Dementieva/Dulko goes to a tie-break in the first set.  Schuettler gets a break up on Garcia-Lopez in the second only for the Spaniard to break back, it's 2-3 on serve.  The German still looks the call at [1.25].</p>

<p><strong>13.00</strong> - Don't forget we have some great action coming up this afternoon.  Another yardstick of Rafa's credentials against Nicolas Kiefer and Andy Murray taking on a useful, if injury-prone, Tommy Haas.  In the women's draw, Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic look to take advantage of the early exits of Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova.</p>

<p>Dementieva breaks to love to tie it up at 5-5 on Court 2.  Dulko led 4-0 early on but that was maybe her chance to get a set on the board and pressure the No.5 seed.  Not so as the Russian races back and now trades around [1.32] after being a huge [2.36] at one point.  </p>

<p><strong>12.50</strong> - Dementieva has chances to make it 4-4 but Dulko holds to lead 5-3.  Schuettler takes the first set 6-2 with a double break.  The Spaniard, Garcia-Lopez, has half a chance in this game but the German has made a good start.</p>

<p><strong>12.40</strong> - Dementieva has gone from [1.36] to [2.36] and back to [1.87] as she recovers from 0-4 to now trail 3-4.  Still a break down but very much on the comeback.  Schuettler breaks Garcia-Lopez to lead 4-2 and is already into [1.42].</p>

<p><strong>12.30</strong> - early matches are underway. Elena Dementieva is already struggling on Court 2 against Gisela Dulko whilst Garcia-Lopez and Schuettler are hard at it on Court 3.<br />
</p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-6-280608.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-6-280608.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Live Blog</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Tennis betting</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon Betting</category>
            
            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:02:21 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Wimbledon Live Blog: Day 5 </title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco watches and reports on the action from Wimbledon.</p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-5-270608.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/wimbledon-live-blog-day-5-270608.html</guid>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">jamie pacheco</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">tennis betting</category>
            
                <category domain="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag">Wimbledon live blog</category>
            
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:00:05 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
        <item>
            <title>Live Wimbledon Blog: Day Four</title>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Joe Dyer is live at his desk in Betfair Towers watching the action from Wimbledon. Keep in touch with the latest happenings from SW19 here</strong></p>]]></description>
            <link>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-day-four-260608.html</link>
            <guid>http://betting.betfair.com/tennis/wimbledon/live-wimbledon-blog/live-wimbledon-blog-day-four-260608.html</guid>
            
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:16:43 +0000</pubDate>
        </item>
        
    </channel>
</rss>