Resurgent Simon looks full of eastern promise; TENNIS;Sports
Byline: Adrian Humphries
ATP SHANGHAI MASTERS Sky Sports 1, 7am GILLES SIMON is back hitting the ball well again after suffering injury problems earlier in the season and the Frenchman can set up a clash with Shanghai Masters topseed Rafael Nadal courtesy of a victory over Stanislas Wawrinka today, writes Adrian Humphries.
For the second year running, Simon is shining in post-US Open outings. Last year he won the title in Bangkok, while this year he was a deserving champion in Metz 15 days ago.
Wawrinka looked a force in midsummer, but the Swiss No. 2 disappointed in a Davis Cup clash against Mikhail Kukushkin last month and hemay not hang around long in the Shanghai singles.
Tommy Robredo and Alexander Dolgopolov were yesterday's winners onthe Decoturf courts.
Serena Williams, sidelined since July with a foot injury, was due to make her comeback in Linz this week. But the American, who was last week deposed as world No. 1 by Caroline Wozniacki, reportedly pulled out yesterday.
Angelique Kerber has made strides in recent weeks and the underachieving German is worth an each-way punt at 66-1 with Bet365.
Kerber has to overcome a tough test against sixth seed Andrea Petkovic before possible clashes with improving Jarmila Groth, Dominika Cibulkova and Daniela Hantuchova, but she definitely has the ability to shine in an event of this stature.
In the first round in Osaka, Ayumi Morita is pitched against similarly-ranked Alberta Brianti and the local girl should make the most of home support.
Recommendations A Kerber 1pt each-way 66-1 Bet365 G Simon to bt S Wawrinka 2pts 9-10 Victor Chandler A Morita to bt A Brianti 2pts 8-13Lads, P Power, V Chandler TOURNAMENT LOWDOWN WTA Generali Ladies Venue TipsArena, Linz, Austria Prize money $220,000 ($37,000 to winner) Category International (280 ranking points to winner) Surface Indoor hard courts When to bet Starts 1pm today Where to watch Live on Eurosport from Thursday Time difference Linz is one hour ahead of the UK and Ireland WTA HP Japan Open Venue Utsubo Centre, Osaka Prize money $220,000 ($37,000 to winner) Category International (280 ranking points to winner) Surface Outdoor hard courts Schedule Due to have started1am this morning Weather forecast Mostly dry - high temperature 26C - but showers are possible on Friday and at the weekend Time difference Osaka is eight hours ahead of the UK and Ireland ALL TODAY'S SPORTMARKETS PAGES 96 & 97
CAPTION(S):
Gilles Simon is a force once again after enduring a great deal of frustration in 2010
