Berdych, Stepanek give Czechs 2-0 lead

Tennis Betting Lines

02/10/2012 - Ostrava, Czech Republic (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - World No. 7 Tomas Berdych and countryman Radek Stepanek gave the Czech Republic a 2-0 lead in Friday's opening singles rubbers against visiting Italy.

Bolstered by a 90 percent first-serve percentage (61-of-68), Berdych, 26, defeated 26-year-old Simone Bolelli 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 on the indoor hardcourt at CEZ Arena.

Prior to Berdych taking the court, Stepanek faced top Italian Andreas Seppi. Seppi fought hard but could not outlast Stepanek, a former world No. 8, who won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a grueling three hour, 50 minute match.

The best-of-five tie continues Saturday with a doubles match between the Czech team of Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Rosol against Italians Daniele Bracciali and Potito Starace. If the Czechs fail to close out the tie on Saturday, Berdych will face Seppi on Sunday followed by Stepanek versus Bolelli if necessary.

The Czechs, who are 7-3 all-time against Italy, and the Italians each own one Davis Cup championship.

The winner in Ostrava will face the Serbia-Sweden victor in the quarterfinals in April.

Nflventureonline Tennis Betting News

<< Cardinals sign P Linebrink
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The St. Louis Cardinals have signed pitcher Scott Linebrink to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Linebrink pitched for Atlanta last season and went 4-4 with a 3.64 earne

<< Barcelona hopes to heap pressure on Madrid
Navarra, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Barcelona, by its high standards, is sailing in chartered La Liga territory this season. The Catalans have exhibited a certain level of dominance in Spain's top flight over the past few seasons, claiming thr

<< Pavin grabs early lead in Boca Raton
Boca Raton, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Corey Pavin fired an eight-under 64 Friday to grab a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Allianz Championship. Pavin, the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, is in his third season on the Champions Tour,

<< Orioles ink veteran P Ayala
Baltimore, MD (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Baltimore Orioles signed veteran reliever Luis Ayala to a one-year contract on Friday. The right-hander's deal includes a club option for 2013. Ayala, 34, is familiar with the American Leagu

<< 49ers extend GM Baalke
Santa Clara, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The San Francisco 49ers have extended the contract of general manager Trent Baalke through 2016. 49ers president and CEO Jed York announced the move via his Twitter account on Friday. Baalke, who was

Jackets place Lebda, Methot on IR >>
Columbus, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Columbus Blue Jackets placed defensemen Brett Lebda and Marc Methot on injured reserve Friday. Lebda was signed by Columbus on January 19, and has picked up one goal in five games since. M

Wi leads by 3 at Pebble Beach; Tiger falls six back >>
Pebble Beach, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Charlie Wi carded a three-under 69 on Friday at Pebble Beach to take a three-stroke lead after two rounds of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Wi, who was one of three first-round leaders, finis

NHL fines Lightning F Moore >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The National Hockey League fined Tampa Bay Lightning forward Dominic Moore $2,500 on Friday. The fine stems from an interference play to New Your Rangers forward Ruslan Fedotenko on Thursday. The in

Hawaii reinstates Wiseman >>
Honolulu, HI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The University of Hawaii announced on Friday that sophomore forward Trevor Wiseman has been reinstated to the team. Wiseman was suspended indefinitely by the team on Monday and missed the Rainbow Warr

No. 25 Harvard holds off Penn >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Kyle Casey and reserve Corbin Miller scored 17 points apiece to help No. 25 Harvard stay undefeated in Ivy League play with a 56-50 victory over Penn at The Palestra. Oliver McNally had eight poi

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.

Chiefs' Treen Green out for Sunday's game

How long Trent Green will remain sidelined is unknown. Coach Herm Edwards said Monday he will miss a second straight start Sunday when the Chiefs host the San Francisco 49ers.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Green was going into a feet-first hook slide when he was knocked unconscious by a thunderous, head-snapping hit from Cincinnati's Robert Geathers.

Oddsmakers at online sportsbook MySportsbook.com currently have the Chiefs listed as 7-point favorites versus the 49ers.

The 49ers got beat by Philadelphia 38-24 as a 6.5-point underdog last week. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (42.5).

Alex Smith completed 27-of-46 passes for 293 yards with a touchdown. Michael Robinson rushed for 29 yards and a pair of touchdowns on five carries.

The Chiefs lost 9-6 to Denver last week as an 11-point underdog. The combined score was well UNDER the posted over/under total (38).

Larry Johnson rushed for 126 yards on 27 carries. Damon Huard completed 17-of-23 passes for 133 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

To visit this online sports book got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.