Posted on 2/29/2008 5:11:18 PM

ATP Tennis Betting - Regions Morgan Keegan Quarterfinal Preview

By Nila Amerova

Memphis, TN –American, Donald Young, who prior to the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships had not won a single match in three tries, advanced into the quarterfinal yesterday with a second round victory over Alejandro Falla. Next up for Donald Young (tipped at Even Odds) is veteran player Jonas Bjorkman (-130 with BetUS). Contesting his first ATP level quarterfinal of the season, bet on the up-and-coming American youngster to continue his winning streak in Memphis.

In the second round, Jonas Bjorkman bested another American young gun, Sam Querrey, proving that even at 35-years-old, he is still a viable contender against the new wave of tennis players arriving on the circuit. Young would be a good play for the win, but instead one has to admire Bjorkman – maybe with a hint of the sentimentally one had reserved for Agassi when he was still competing at the same age – and in turn, perhaps pick him for the victory.

Top seed American Andy Roddick continued his campaign in Memphis, when, with a second round victory over compatriot Mardy Fish, he moved into the quarterfinal round. Next up for Roddick is a tough competitor in the form of No.42 Robin Soderling of Sweden. Tipped at -175 on the money line, Roddick is the better play, particularly with a partisan crowd spurring him on. Roddick has been enjoying a seven-match winning streak, which includes last week’s title run in San Jose; he will try to extend his streak to eight today against Soderling.

It is interesting to note that since Roddick turned professional in 2000, and Soderling in 2001, they have never met at an ATP level tournament. In this their first-ever meeting, there is much to recommend either player, as both have a big game.

Soderling is poised to give Roddick his first real challenge of the tournament. Last season, Soderling went 3-5 against Top 10 players. He has the attitude and the right mind-set when coming up against the elite. In fact, I don’t expect to see Soderling backing down, and dare I say it, orchestrate the upset. Taking Soderling to send shock waves through the Championships at +135 on the money line is a play with a lot of value. Consider it.

Last week’s runner-up in San Jose, No. 31 Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic also advanced into the final eight. In order to keep his campaign alive in Memphis, he must first top 6’7” tall, No.86 Chris Guccione of Australia. The pair met for the first time in Sydney, but in a tight three set match, Guccione emerged as the victor. Stepanek will be itching to avenge that loss, and tipped at -155 favorite odds at BetUS, he is a good play. His hard court rhythm is in fine form. Wily and agile, Stepanek is one of the few true serve-on-volleyers of the tour. If he keeps his points short and quick, he should outmanoeuvre Guccione for a berth in the semifinal.

Rounding out the final eight are German Benjamin Becker and Belgian Steve Darcis. Becker reached his second quarterfinal of the season yesterday with an emotional victory over compatriot and defending champion Tommy Haas. Next up for Becker is a player he has never met before in tournament play. Not known for consistency, it would come as no surprise if Becker crashed out—it would not be the first time he followed up an emotional victory with a disappointing loss—losing to a player, he should have easily beaten by all indications. Betting on Becker’s -140 favorite odds is not a sure play, giving Darcis’s even odds some added value.

Bet on your favourites in Memphis as they bid for a place in Saturday’s semifinal. BetUS is taking action on the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships, so check out the tennis odds on all the matchups that are currently available for betting.

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