Tuesday, June 02, 2009

FRENCH OPEN TENNIS .......

MARIA SHARAPOVA- DOMINICA CIBULKOVA

These two have nothing to lose, both came to Paris with low expectations and are very happy to be in a quarter final. It is unknown ground for Cibulkova and for Sharapova, who has never been entirely happy on the surface, a bonus ahead of her main summer targets. I expect both to go for it, they have met twice before, both meetings were on clay and very close, with the more experienced Russian eventually winning through. She has been taken to three sets in every round here so far , playing 104 games, to reach the same stage tournament favourite Dinara Safina has been taken to just 53 !

Cibulkova looked very jolly in her post match interview, after seeing off Agnes Szavay comfortably on Sunday, she knows what to expect from Sharapova and is not the type to be overawed by the occasion. Despite being two years younger, she has played some 50% more matches on the surface than her opponent over the last few years and will know that she has to keep Sharapova moving. The russian's long legs can cover a lot of ground, but she changes direction about as quickly as the Titanic, another long day at the office is in store for her.

6 points "over" 22.5 games 1.83 + general quote.... 1.92 Pinnacle Sports.

Good Luck.

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