Movistar Open Quarters: Gonzalez and Martin eye semis

Santiago, Chile – Fernando Gonzalez is two victories away from reaching the Movistar Open final and a chance to defend his title. The two-time defending champions Gonzalez is an almost lock for a third title in a row; he has been impressive in reaching the quarters and he is the home favourite. Standing in his way is a dangerous threat in Spaniard Marcel Granollers. Granollers recorded the biggest win in his career a fortnight ago when he dumped Robin Soderling in the first round of the Australian Open.

Although he didn’t make the win count as he went on to fall in the second round, Granollers win was credible. Moreover, by trade he is clay-courter. On this surface, arguably, he has a better chance of masterminding an upset. Still, it would be a long shot make no mistake. Elsewhere, Spaniard Alberto Martin takes on qualifier Joao Souza of Brazil for a spot in the semis.

Tennis Betting Line: Joao Souza +140 Alberto Martin -180

First Set Line: Joao Souza +120 Alberto Martin -160

Match Time: 02:30 PM Eastern Time Friday February 5, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: It is the first career meeting between Alberto Martin, ranked No.129, and Joao Souza, ranked No. 208. They have met twice before on the lower circuits with Martin winning both encounters convincing. Because of his 2-0 mark over Souza and a better ranking, Martin is given the bookies consideration in this match, listed at -180 to win outright. Martin is also favoured to take the first set and carries a price of -160 to do so. Souza outlasted seventh seed Greul in the first round and beat Riba convincingly in the second round. Indeed, he has punched above his weight class to reach the quarters, and at +140, rather muted underdog odds, he is a credible bet to do so one more time. In many ways, this match is up for grabs. With everything on the line this can go three sets and in that case any pick would be a good pick, in my humble opinion.

Tennis Free Picks: Souza at +140 to win outright and Martin to take the first set at -160

Tennis Betting Line: Fernando Gonzalez -1200 Marcel Granollers +600

First Set Line: Fernando Gonzalez-700 Marcel Granollers +400

Match Time: Not Before 02:30 PM Eastern Time Friday February 5, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Fernando Gonzalez is the undisputed favourite in this match and carries a hefty -1200 price tag. Recommending his whopping odds is just about any edge imaginable. Gonzo is a skilful clay courter. He ranks well above Marcel Granollers does and he is the more decorated of the two players. He is also the defending champion and the pre-tournament favourite to clean up in Santiago. Oh and there is also the fact that he is the home favourite and a bit of a hero on home soil. All this makes a win for Granollers a tall order. At +600 large, he is a long shot bet to win. Going against Granollers is all of the above factors as well as the fact that he has yet to get a taste of Gonzo’s forehand, one of the best in the men’s game today – second to maybe Del Potro when teeing s off the right shot. I expect this will be convincing win by Gonzo in straight sets.

: Not Before 02:30 PM Eastern Time Friday February 5, 2010

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