Originally Posted by Betsy

Tomas Berdych over Andy Murray @ $1.84

Source: Pinnacle Sports
Stake: 0.5 Units

Last time the two met Berdych had a number of chances to win the match, and should have taken them. Berdych finished last year off well beating the likes of Ljubicic, Ferrero, Stepanek and Coria. If he carries that form to Australia then this should be an easy win for the Czech. Murray on the other hand only really had one good tournament on hc, making the final in Thailand where he was beaten by Federer. However, for the majority of last year Murray played Challengers and even some Futures. I don't believe he is at the level where he can consitantly beat quality players such as Berdych, however, that doesn't mean the Brits can't hype him up as the next big thing.

Sorry about the late notice, I took Berdych for 0.5 units at $1.84 when the market came out but was too tired to post a writeup. Match starts in 30 mins.

Originally Posted by Betsy

Nicolas Kiefer over Gaston Gaudio @ $1.48

Source: Pinnacle Sports
Stake: 1.5 Units

Germany is favourite to win the Hopman Cup and have started their campaign off well, therefore there is no questioning the motivation of Kiefer here to give it his best. Kiefer looked impressive in his straight sets win over Arthurs, breaking Arthurs at will and holding his serve with ease. In contrast, Gaudio was beaten in straight sets by Wessels in his first match, unable to find a rythm on his serve and continuosly foot faulting. Kiefer will have no problems with his high ball toss at Burswood Dome as it is indoors. I can't see Gaudio going through a set without being broken, he is half the player he is on clay when he steps out onto hardcourt. Kiefer in two.

Sorry about the late notice here, Kiefers price has also come in, however I got on early enough to get the ~$1.50 odds

Originally Posted by Betsy

First underdog for '06!

Wesley Moodie over Gael Monfils @ $3.10

Source: Centrebet
Stake: 0.27 Units

This one is overs! The big serving South African should show some fight in this matchup. He has posted some great results coming into this season and has continued to impress with a three set win over Max Mirnyi in his first round at Doha. Monfils is one of the up and coming youngsters who hasn't yet reached the high expectations thrust upon him after a successful junior career. He is still learning and, like Murray, is yet to show that he can consistently beat quality opponents. Monfils 12-10 '05 hardcourt record is slightly skewed by his finals appearance late last year in his home country France. Other than this result Monfils results were average at best. Moodie may prove too experienced for the Frenchman and I can see this one being won in three tight sets. I rate Monfils a 60% chance at best here, therefore the $3+ available at Centrebet is worth a small go.

Good luck

Betsy