Posted on 11/9/2007 8:16:15 PM

Bet on Tennis Madrid Championships Semifinal Picks

By Nila Amerova

Madrid, Spain – Russian Maria Sharapova, who won the Championships on her debut appearance in 2004, looked to be in top form in Madrid when she overwhelmed Ana Ivanovic on the final day of round robin action to clinch a first place finish in the Red Group; in so doing, Sharapova avoids Henin in the semifinal stage, set to start on Saturday, November 10, 2007 and instead will prepare to meet fellow countrywoman No.7 Anna Chakvetadze. Bet on the Madrid Championships semifinal with BetUS Sportsbook.

Tennis Line: Maria Sharapova vs. Anna Chakvetadze
Match Time: 09:00 AM EST

Tennis Prediction – Maria Sharapova qualified for this prestigious $3 million event after Venus Williams withdrew because of health problems, and while Sharapova’s form was questionable at the start of the Championships, having suffered her own share of trials and tribulations with injuries throughout the season, she embarked on an impressive campaign in the round robin portion, quelling any naysayer.

Sharapova emerged out of the round robin stage dropping only one set on her way to a perfect 3/0 match record.

Former No.1 Sharapova owns a comfortable 5/0 lead against Ana Chakvetadze.

A proven champion, Maria Sharapova will be the outright favorite in this all-Russian semifinal affair. In spite of struggling throughout the 2007 season with injuries, Sharapova’s next to perfect run in Madrid saw her in near-perfect form and reestablished her as a viable contender for the title.

Anna Chakvetadze, who is making her debut at the Sony Ericsson Championships, is a long shot bet. Her impressive 57/18 record for the season and four WTA titles notwithstanding, Chakvetadze is still a relatively unseasoned player – a stranger to the big stage and winning major titles.

In Sharapova, Chakvetadze will face a two-time Grand Slam Champion and 2004 Championships titlist – with such a pedigree, the newly resurrected Sharapova should handily outclass Chakvetadze.

Tennis Free Pick – Sharapova in straight sets.

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