Posted on 2/29/2008 5:51:23 PM

WTA Tennis Betting Picks - Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Championships

By Nila Amerova

Dubai, UAE – After causing a sensational upset in the quarterfinals – upsetting pre-tournament favorite and defending champion Justine Henin – Francesca Schiavone’s winning streak in Dubai was snapped by a revitalized Elena Dementieva in the semifinal today 5-7, 7-5, 6-2. Meeting Elena Dementieva in the final on Saturday, March 1, 2008 will be fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, who also battled from a set down to seize the victory over Jelena Jankovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinal today. BetUS tennis betting is taking action on the Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Championships final. A victory away from clinching the title, which one will lift the silverware and claim the winners portion of the $1,500,000 prize purse on Saturday. Care to bet on it?

Friday, February 29, 2008

WTA Singles – Semifinal Results

(2) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (4) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 57 64 63

(8) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 57 75 62

Tennis Betting Line: Elena Dementieva vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova

Match Time: 04:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday, March 1, 2008

Tennis Prediction: Both No.3 Svetlana Kuznetsova and No.11 Elena Dementieva battled back from a set down for the win in the semifinal, earning the right to vie for the title tomorrow. In this all-Russian final, Kuznetsova arrives as the favorite owing to her higher ranking and overall 5-3 lead in career head-to-heads. Kuznetsova won their only meeting in 2007 in New Haven, when Dementieva retired in the third set, down 3-0; and in 2006 Kuznetsova claimed both of their meetings in close victories. As their score line indicates, theirs is a close rivalry, promising a great final in Dubai.

Kuznetsova improved to 9-3 with her semifinal victory and prepares to contest her second WTA final of the season; in her first WTA final, in Sydney, Kuznetsova finished runner-up (l. to Justine Henin). Dementieva arrives in her first final of the year.

There is no doubt Kuznetsova is a good play for the victory, as one of the most consistent players on the WTA circuit she is well worth the risk. This is Kuznetsova’s second shot at the title in Dubai, she lost out to her nemesis Henin in 2004. On the other hand, after a slow start to the season, Dementieva has been steadily improving and offers value as the underdog in this matchup.

Tennis Free Pick: Kuznetsova in three sets

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