WTA China Open Quarterfinal - The Russian Charge

Beijing, China – Grand Slam title this year (Australian Open) – the remaining coveted trio of titles going to the Williamses (Wimbledon and US Open) and Ivanovic (French Open). But tennis-betting fans should not be deceived: Russian women are a dominant force in women’s tennis.

Thus far, in 2008, 15 WTA events (nearly one-third of all events), the Fed Cup and the Olympic medals –Gold, Silver and Bronze – were swept by Russian women. And that does not include the numerous runner-up finishes made by the Russians. Why just last week Vera Zvonareva won the title in Guangzhou and Dinara Safina picked up the title in Tokyo, beating compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final.

A further indication of their domination is the fact that seven Russian women are ranked in the top 20 – five in the top 10.

This week in China, No.7 Kuznetsova and No. 9 Zvonareva further confirmed their countries prolific tendencies when they booked a berth in the quarterfinals. Can they go one better?

Here is a look at the two remaining Russians still alive in the draw at the China Open.

Tennis Betting Line: Dominika Cibulkova +200 Svetlana Kuznetsova -300

Match Time: 09:00 PM Eastern Time Thursday September 25, 2008

Tennis Betting Verdict: This is a well-matched pair in terms of physique, movement and defensive abilities, which classifies them as counterpunchers in the game. No. 20 Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia is an up-and-coming tennis player. Only 19-years-old she has notched some notable victories and overall tournament performances this year. Her highlights include runner-up finishes at Amelia Island (l. to Sharapova) and Rogers Cup (l. to Safina) and big wins against top ten players like Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic, Marion Bartoli, Ana Chakvetadze and Venus Williams.

Cibulkova competed in Tokyo last week, her first tournament since falling in the R32 at the US Open. She only reached the second round wherein she lost to the eventual champion Dinara Safina. Kuznetsova finished runner-up. In terms of freshness, Cibulkova is the better rested of the two.

Kuznetsova is a great competitor and a fighter. She is one of the most consistent producers on the WTA circuit. She brought a 39-15 mark for the season to Beijing, which includes four runner-up finishes. A former Grand Slam champion, Kuznetsova has been criticised for her inability to handle high-pressure matches, succumbing to nerves on big occasions. Kuznetsova holds a 2-0 lifetime edge and a 1-0 edge in 2008 over Cibulkova, most recently beating her at Indian Wells.

This should be a competitive match. Kuznetsova is a fighter. Cibulkova is spunky – not quite there yet in terms of fighting spirit but well on her way – and I expect her to challenge Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova has been busy since the US Open, leading her country to a fourth Fed Cup title in five years and finishing runner-up in Tokyo. The wear and tear of her busy schedule could be her handicap but an opportunity for Cibulkova to exploit.