[Boner_18]

Put up a blog here about the first round action in Abu Dhabi. The existence of lines is piss poor. Bodog has ML on the matches but no other options.

I like Soderling -275 (or in straight sets if it comes up) and the over in Ferrer v. Davydenko.

[ji03]

Nice writeup, I would like to see these guys play a match or two before betting.

[Jrod124]

Boner, do u know if this event is going to be on Tennis Channel?

[Boner_18]

Jrod. I don't know. I have purchased Tennis Channel for the year. I kind of doubt it will be but will update tomorrow when I know for sure.

[Boner_18]

a quick look at the website indicates that they wont show it. However, they sometimes pick up (and to my dismay lose) coverage at the last minute.

[Fthenorm]

dangerous laying heavy chalk in exhibitions, that's for sure

[ji03]

i decided to go small on Ferrer at +250

[Boner_18]

i decided to go small on Ferrer at +250

Good work on this pick.

[ji03]

thanks, but I figured as Fthenorm said I certainly didn't want to lay -350 for Davydenko not knowing the form they were going to come out in.

[Boner_18]

Oh definitely. I wrote I like Ferrer b/c of the closeness of the match (or the over if I could find it). Plus Davydenko has a history of taking a dive.

On the other hand I think Soderling is worth laying the fave b/c of his ability to break and Stan's propensity for allowing break chances. I also feel that Soderling is still trying to climb the respect ladder on tour and wants every win he can get (even exhibition).

[ji03]

Oh yeah I definitely agree with the Soderling pick at that price. Did you end up taking Ferrer?

[Boner_18]

I didn't. Was looking for an over but never found it.

[Boner_18]

Soderling def Wawrinka 7-6 (4) 7-6 (2).

Glad to go 2-0 on my predictions but thought the Soderling win would be on breaks not tie-breakers.

[ji03]

Yeah nice win for Soderling to start the year.

[ji03]

Ferrer is +275 vs. Nadal at Bodog, I'm thinking about a small play on Ferrer considering Nadal was having trouble at the end of last year.

[Boner_18]

Definitely, I haven't capped it yet but I can see Nadal not wanting to expend the energy in this tourney... I noticed somewhere that he declared that he was feeling somewhat less prepared for this upcoming ATP season.... Just have to make sure that Ferrer can beat him even on his worst day...

[ji03]

ok, I think I'll give it a go. Another small play on Ferrer at +275.

[RobbReport]

yay tennis!

[Boner_18]

Ji,

I agree. I didn't have time to do a full work up but I am playing small same size amounts on the two dogs. One hits and I am in the black.

Nadal is off form.
Soderling is rolling.

GL and Happy New Year!

[ji03]

I like Soderling also, but that 12-0 mark Federer has over him just looms there. Granted, it is just an exhibition, so Roger probably doesn't care too much about the match.

[andrewaxia]

Never ever touch exhibition tennis unless you are backing a nice dog

[Boner_18]

Ferrer saves a deuce in the third game to stay on serve.

[Boner_18]

Two break chances for Ferrer.

[Boner_18]

Rafa saves one.

[Boner_18]

Saves the other, duece

[Boner_18]

Another chance on duece.

[Boner_18]

Rafa pulls through, on serve 2-2 in the first set.

[Boner_18]

Ferrer gets two set points at 5-4.

[Boner_18]

Rafa saves one.

[Boner_18]

saves the second, deuce

[Boner_18]

Nadal works out of it pretty handily, still on serve 5-5.

[Boner_18]

Rafa serving for a tie break.

[Boner_18]

Rafa up a mini break in the tie break.

[Boner_18]

Up two mini's

[Boner_18]

Rafa takes the first set 7-6(2). Not a bad showing from Ferrer.