ATP Kremlin Cup – Value Underdogs to bet on

Moscow, Russia – The Kremlin Cup completes first round tennis betting action with last week’s finalist’s in Metz – champion Dmitry Tursunov and runner-up Paul-Henri Mathieu – opening their bids in Moscow. Both players fall in the same section of the draw so there is a chance tennis bettors may see their matchup feature in the Kremlin Cup semis. Then again, both receive tough opening challenges and the much-anticipated rematch of the Moselle de Open final between Mathieu and Tursunov could be nipped in the bud before the tournament gets fully underway. So what are the chances of an upset in the first round? Here is a look at their opening matchups.

Tennis Betting Line: Sergiy Stakhovsky +250 Paul Henri Mathieu -400

Match Time: 03:00 AM Eastern Time, Wednesday October 8, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: Many tennis bettors may not know Sergiy Stakhovsky, so let me briefly introduce you to the young Ukrainian who stunned the tennis betting market when he blew through the PBZ Zagreb Indoors tournament early this year to pick up his maiden ATP title as a lucky loser entrant. A huge underdog at PBZ Zagreb, Stakhovsky, at the time, was ranked No. 209 in the ATP. Currently, he weighs in at No.85 in the world and he tallied a 7-2 mark in ATP play. He has been warming up his game on the lower circuit following his maiden ATP title triumph and has won a challenger event in Segovia, finished runner-up in Penza and reached two semis in Istanbul and Cherkassy.

Paul-Henri Mathieu does not have an easy opening match. He was the runner-up in Moscow last year. He enters the tournament with a 29-24 mark; his season highlights include two Grand Slam R16s –Australian Open and Roland Garros and a runner-up finish last week.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Stakhovsky, who already has one indoor hard court tile, should enter this match up in high spirits. Mathieu by contrast could be still chaffing from his loss last week in Metz, before a partisan crowd, to Dmitry Tursunov. As such, betting on Stakhovsky’s underdog odds holds value for the upset.

Tennis Free Picks: Stakhovsky in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Dmitry Tursunov -450 Igor Kunitsyn +275

Match Time: 03:00 AM Eastern Time, Wednesday October 8, 2008

Tennis Betting Analysis: Tursunov arrives in Metz in high spirits owing to his title victory on Sunday. The temperamental Russian is 33-19 for the year and has two ATP titles so far. Against Kunitsyn, he owns a 2-0 edge. They are familiar with each other’s game and having served together in Davis Cup action for their country there should be no surprises for either player. No.71 Igor Kunitsyn brings a lowly 10-13 mark.

Tennis Betting Verdict: Tursunov is favoured in this matchup and barring any fatigue from last week’s tournament in France, he is the better play.

Tennis Free Picks: Tursunov in straight sets

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room

For More Tennis Gambling Odds And Picks Click Here!