Del Potro and Davydenko battle for spot in Master Cup semis

Shanghai, China – The second match of the Gold Group’s last round robin fixture is the one that has captured most attention in the sports betting market for the clash between Juan Martin Del Potro and Nikolay Davydenko is underscored by the Masters Cup semi-final spot that is at stake.

Del Potro and Davydenko are level with a 1-1 mark in Shanghai. Del Potro lost to Novak Djokovic in his opener but beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in his second match to remain in the race. Davydenko opened his bid with a win over Tsonga but fell to Djokovic in his second match.

The battle between Del Potro and Davydenko sets up a blockbuster tennis-betting morsel for sports bettors tomorrow. It really does not get bigger than this – at least not at this level of the tournament. Fittingly the pair will decide, on the excruciatingly slow hard courts in Shanghai, who will advance and who will bow out in Shanghai.

Tennis Betting Line:

Nikolay Davydenko -2½ Ev -175 23½ O -115 U -125

Juan Martin Del Potro +2½ -140 +125 23½ O -115 U -125

Match Time 05:00 AM Eastern Time Thursday November 13, 2008

Head-to-Head Analysis: The series is level at one apiece. Davydenko beat Del Potro in 2007 at the ATP Masters Series in Paris 7-6(3), 6-1. Del Potro tied the series with an all-important victory over Davydenko in Davis Cup action this season.

Tennis Betting Analysis:

Del Potro (-175) In the third career meeting between the two semi-final contenders, Del Potro emerges as the odds makers’ fave. Tipped at -175, Del Potro is a good play for the win. Over the course of the season, he has developed into quite the force. Winning four titles back-to-back and handing Argentina the deciding victory in the semi-final of Davis Cup action against Russia, are just some of the highlights that makes this Del Potro’s year. Will it be his Tennis Masters Cup as well?

Davydenko (+125) The veteran Davydenko had a great first half but a poor second half of the season. After winning three titles early on, he appeared well on his way to delivering another consistent year. However, mid-season doldrums spilled over in to the fall swing and it was not until the Paris Masters Cup when he enjoyed a turnaround by reaching the semis. Nevertheless, Davydenko should not be discounted as he can turn it up in key moments. Tomorrow would be such a moment.

Tennis betting Verdict: As the line indicates this will be a tight betting affair. There is a lot at stake for both players and they will slug it out tomorrow –most likely from the baseline. Davydenko is a great mover and has great ball striking ability from both wings. Del Porto, owing to his height, hits the ball bigger and higher. Their contest should be close and ultimately decided by which player handles the pressure best. Davydenko showed some weakness against Djokovic when he crumbled in the last set. Del Potro was contained against Tsonga in his previous match. In the end though, I think Davydenko, being the more experienced of the two will handle the occasion better.

Tennis Betting Pick: Davydenko in three sets

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