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Berlin -- Another All-Russian Final!!!

by U11188452 03 May 2008
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Hardly a surprise nowadays -- another all-Russian final! This time in Berlin.

After Doha(Sharapova - Zvonareva)and Dubai(Dementieva - Kuznetsova), this is the third in 2008. If I look back at all the other finals this year, the majority had Russian representation: Sydney(Kuzzy), AO (Sharapova), Paris(Chakvetadze), IW(Kuzzy), A.I.(Sharapova), Charleston(Zvonareva). So 2008 is a truly great year for Russia!

Back to Berlin -- in the semis today, the two most outstanding players of this tier 1 event continued their routine wins, with Dinara Safina dominating a less than fully fit Victoria Azarenka, and Elena Dememtieva ousting a somewhat inconsistent Ana Ivanovic, both in two sets.

Dinara´s acomplishment in this event is truly extraordinary -- eliminating the current no-1 of the world Justine Henin and the former no-1 Serena Williams who had won three consecutive events she entered after AO 2008(two of which tier 1). Safina´s semi-final opponent was definitely weaker than those in the previous two rounds where she had to come from behind and win in three sets.

Elena´s punishing ground-strokes and her superb fitness helped her to eliminate both Serbian GS hopefuls Jankovic and Ivanovic (ranked 2 and 5)in two consecutive days -- her victory over Jankovic was a very hard-fought one, whereas against Ivanovic today she was simply untouchable.

So tomorrow will be the moment of truth: can Safina prove that she can also go all the way, and not just to have an amazing but short-lasted run to a final? Or, will the veteran and under-achiever Elena win her 10th title(second in 2008)and lay the ground work for winning the French where she came so close in 2004?

I personally believe Dementieva will prevail, for she is IMO the better and more consistent player and has more big match experiences than Safina. Some must still remember another Russian by the name of Natalia Zvereva who reached the FO 88 final at 17, defeating Sukova and Navratilova on the way. But in final, she lost to a totally unimpressed Steffi Graf in 34 minutes: 0-6, 0-6!!!

But it will be a great final! Enjoy!












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comment by U11188452

posted May 11, 2008

Conosu2-

Your DH Michaella will start tomorrow against Stosur. Three of mine will be in action as well: Radwanska - Amanmuradura(what a name!), Szavay - Yan, Alona Bondarenko"the blond angle"(my new additionsmiley)tries to best Santangelo.

Any prodictions?

I see all three of mine advance, and Michaella, the poor Micha -- don´t let conosu2 down again, pleeeeeeeese!

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comment by conosu2 (U9956155)

posted May 11, 2008

Fantasticbingting,

Can I stick with my normal DH's?
I, of course, have a problem with Dominika, and I suppose if I'm honest, with Michaella.
Michaella though, fantasticbingting, has to start delivering to maintain my support!
It's another area where I'm not in your class!
Faithfulness!
I'm ashamed to admit it, but I like to see results from my Dh's, one of the reasons I was pressing you to drop MaKiri.
You, of course, would have none of it.
But with Makiri and Dominika I believe I would have the start of at least one, perhaps two, future top tenners, maybe even higher!
I love Michaella, but she must soon deliver!!

You've been remarkable, in terms of faithfulness, with Maria Kirilenko.
She was due to play Amelie, who withdrew and now I notice Nadia Petrova, who took Amelie's place and would therefore play Makiri, has been replaced by a LL?
I'm confused, that's what it states in the box at the bottom of the drawsheet.
cheers

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comment by conosu2 (U9956155)

posted May 11, 2008

I'm going to have to have a rethink.
I see all of yours going through and none of mine!
Something's wrong, fantasticbingting, I'm going to have to get back to you.
As you've pointed out.... Dominika/Maria.
Something's wrong and I can't work it out at the moment.
All I can foresee is you being very biggrin and me being very sadface.
Now that can't be right!
I'll get back!!
zen

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comment by U11188452

posted May 11, 2008

Yes, Kiri will play Nadja again, like in Berlin, an JJ again in the 3rd round -- another preposterous draw, I must say. Alona has a bad draw as well: serena, Agnes, Kuzzy -- OMG!Agnieska will do better this time -- A-Chak will be no match!

So, if you stick with your normal DHs, you will end up without a horse after R2. But it is your decision!cheers

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comment by conosu2 (U9956155)

posted May 11, 2008

"But it is your decision! cheers "

Yeah and cheers to you!
Third round (if I'm lucky)...conosu2=0 horses.
fantasticbingting=3/4 horses.
Even I can see something's wrong.
Amendments/changes must be forthcoming.
cheers

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comment by conosu2 (U9956155)

posted May 11, 2008

"A-Chak will be no match!"

grr

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comment by conosu2 (U9956155)

posted May 11, 2008

I'm gonna have to sleep on it!
sleepy

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comment by U11188452

posted May 11, 2008

"A-Chak-I'm gonna have to sleep on it!"

Are you sure? envyenvyenvy

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comment by conosu2 (U9956155)

posted May 12, 2008

It's really hot here today, I should be trimming my hedge and cutting grass, I really should! drunk

" Are you sure? envyenvyenvy " laughlaugh
If only, fantasticbingting, IF ONLY!!!

My two DH's are Michaella Krajicek and Alize Cornet.
I would like to continue with Dominika Cibulkova but she meets Masha, as you know, second round, so that would be a 'clash of responsibilities' I must avoid!

So Michaella must beat Samantha Stosur later today and will despatch Venus, Wednesday.
Should she do that of course, it will be doubly gratifying for me, so I will be rootin' for her louder than usual.

Your Agnes is up at the same time as Michaella.
goodlucklaugh

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comment by U11188452

posted May 12, 2008

Conosu2,

Sorry -- bad new for you: Michaella is out1

On the contrary, my three DHs all advaced in two: Alonalove, Agnieszka, Agnes, Does not look good for you, does it?cheerup, Maybe Dominika will win one for you by ousting Mashasmiley!

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