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2007 Proximus Diamond Games, Second Round

Antwerp, Belgium – The 2007 Proximus Diamond Games, held since 2002 and won twice back-to back by Amelie Mauresmo and Venus Williams, and once by Kim Clijsters are already in full swing and in the second round. The top half of the draw saw Anna Chakvetadze defeat Pattaya Women’s Open champion in three sets 4-6, 7-6,6-2, and Tatiana Golovin topped Patty Schnyder 6-7, 7-6,6-2.

With still more head-to-head matchups to go before the semifinal round starts, let us look at the rest of the playing field and the odds that are available at BetUS.com

Top half of the draw:

Prediction: No. 6 seed Dinara Safina should face very little contest from Michaella Krajicek and according to predictions the favorite should advance to the semifinal round, where she will meet the winner of the Mauresmo and Razzano matchup.

Pick: Dinara in two easy sets

Results:

However, Mauresmo has been somewhat shaky of late, losing matches that she has been expected to win. More than ever she is perhaps proving to be a good bet to bet against. Therefore, In this case Razzano’s price tag of +600 holds quite the appeal. A $100 bet could earn you a whopping $600!

But the question is if this is the stage in which Mauresmo will fold? If her 2007 campaign is any indication, then fold she just might at this tournament, but I don’t believe it will be against Razzano. I would pass on this line.

Pick: Mauresmo in two sets.

Results:

Prediction: No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva favored on this line against Elena Likhovtseva should face no obstacle to advancing to the semifinal round. Dementieva leads 5-2 in their head-to-head record and there is nothing to suggest that the World No. 8 will not make it 6-2.

Pick: Elena Dementieva in two sets

Results:

Prediction: World No.14 Ana Ivanovic is fast becoming one of the women to watch for on the tour. Her power-hitting game has been tough to beat, her best shot is her forehand and her serve is one of the best on the tour. Great on all surfaces Ivanovic should top Dechy easily.

Pick: Ivanovic in two sets.

Results:

Prediction: 2004 Proximus Diamond Champion and No.2 seed Kim Clijsters received a Bye into the second round. Playing in her first match against Russian Olga Poutchkova, Kim Clijsters will be looking to make a good impression in her homeland. A runaway favorite on the line, Clijsters is the sure bet for the win, if you want to bet $1,600 to win $100 that is!

Pick: Clijsters in straight easy sets.

Results: Clijsters advanced in easy sets 6-0, 6-2.

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