I almost never make a futures proposition untill I see the draw (Federer the exception), but given the line and circumstances, I pulled the trigger real early here.....
KIM CLIJSTERS (BEL) TO 'WIN AUSTRALIAN OPEN' -- +1000.....1.5u to win 15u
--firstly, one of her arch nemesis, fellow compatriot, and World number #1 has pulled out of the tournament, Justin Henin-Hardenne. One less elite player to worry about-- and a MAJOR thorn in Kimmy's side--these two met 3 times in '06 with Justin winning all of them. In addition L Davenport is out, again, one less elite player to worry about.
--secondly, the courts will play faster this year at Melbourne Park (so it has been reported--I pasted an article on this in another thread). This favors Kim, no doubt.
-- Kim is healthy, by all reports. She will play at Sydney this week.
--Kim just won the Hong Kong exhibition. Beat Patty in the semi's then Sharapova in straights in the finals.
--at this absurd line, IF KIM REACHES THE SEMI's one can hedge and you have won either way. Will depend on who is remaining in that final four and the numbers, of course. Can she reach the semi's? well of course, i'd like to see the draw first, but it wont be out untill late next week (this line wont be as high by late next week,tho). Nonetheless, since 2002 this is what she has done at Melbourne Park;
2002-- SF's
2003-- SF's
2004-- F's
2005-- did not play in the event, injured
2006-- SF's
--Kim's record, H2H Vs the elite players participating?
M Sharapova-- Kim leads 5-2
A Mauresmo-- Kim leads 8-6
S Kuznetsova-- Kim leads 6-1
D Safina-- Kim leads 6-1
J Jankovic-- Kim leads 5-0
M Hingis-- tied 4-4 ( met 3 times a yr ago, Kim won all 3)
N Petrova-- Kim leads 4-0
gl