ATP ends round-robin experiment

Tennis Betting Lines

03/21/2007 - Miami, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The ATP Board voted to end experimenting with round-robin formats at several events this year.

The formats drew criticism, especially at the Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas earlier this month when James Blake was given passage to the quarterfinals despite a technicality, but was then removed from advancing.

Blake was winning, 6-1, 3-1 in his final round-robin match to Juan Martin del Porto, who retired because of breathing problems. Blake was originally eliminated, but later that night it was determined he would have advanced from the round-robin group if del Porto hadn't retired.

That left Russian Evgeny Korolev out of the quarterfinals, but the next day, upon review of the rules, Blake was removed from the round-of-eight.

The ATP Board said the round-robin format had been popular among casual fans "because it gave them more opportunity to see their local and favorite players than in a traditional knockout format." However, after monitoring testing at the five case events this year, the concerns outweighed continuing with the format.

Thus, all remaining events that were scheduled to have round-robin events will be reverted to the single-elimination format.

"The ATP is determined to be fact based, and not opinion led," ATP chairman and president Etienne de Villiers said. "We're committed to a philosophy of 'do it, try it, fix it or lose it,' with initiatives that could grow our sport. We take all stakeholders into account, especially our players and tournaments, when we make decisions but will always have a fan focus."

Wwwmenshealth Tennis Betting News

<< Phillies move Lieber to pen
Clearwater, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Despite logging an ERA of 1.50 this spring, and after closing last season 5-3 with a 3.38 ERA in his last 11 starts, Jon Lieber will start this season as a middle reliever for the Philadelphia Phillie

<< Shanahan returns to Rangers
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - New York Rangers left wing Brendan Shanahan returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers after being sidelined with a concussion since mid-February. In a home game against the Flyers

<< Eagles' coach Reid to return Friday
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Wednesday that head coach Andy Reid will return from his leave of absence on Friday. Reid stepped away last month to deal with the recent legal troubles involv

<< Redskins ink Stoutmire
Ashburn, VA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Washington Redskins signed safety Omar Stoutmire on Wednesday. Stoutmire started nine games with the Saints last season, registering 56 tackles and two interceptions. An 11-year veteran, Sto

<< Drake's Davis retires as son takes over hoops program
Des Moines, IA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Drake University announced on Wednesday that head men's basketball coach Dr. Tom Davis has retired, and his son Keno will take over the program. The 68-year-old Tom Davis, who will remain with the unive

Scott named men's hoops coach at Denver >>
Denver, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The University of Denver named Joe Scott its new men's head basketball coach on Wednesday. Scott, who coached at Princeton for the last two years, will take over a Denver program which finished 4-25 th

Flyers' Fedoruk leaves on stretcher >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Philadelphia Flyers forward Todd Fedoruk left the ice on a stretcher Wednesday after being knocked out in a first-period fight with Colton Orr of the New York Rangers. Just 21 seconds into

Roddick, Blake on Davis Cup team >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The USTA and United States Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe Wednesday announced the four-player team that will compete against Spain in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup next month. Andy Roddick, James

Red-hot Heat hold off Hawks >>
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jason Williams scored 21 points and dished out eight assists to lead the Miami Heat over the Atlanta Hawks, 91-83, at Philips Arena. Williams hit a key jumper and a pair of free throws down the stretch for t

Bears give coaches extensions >>
Lake Forest, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Bears made a move Wednesday to maintain continuity as far as the coaching staff is concerned by inking eight assistant coaches to three-year deals through the 2009 season. Offensive coordinat

Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.