Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Quarterfinal Odds: Li and Williams head for a semi-clash

Dubai, UAE – Venus Williams and Na Li of China could be headed for a clash in the Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Championships; that is if they emerge victorious in the quarterfinal rounds. Venus Williams is set to take on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, a young, up-and-coming Russian star while Li is set to battle a hot Shahar Peer.

Here is a look at the scintillating matchups in the top-half of the draw. (BetOnline odds are currently unavailable at the time of writing).

Tennis Betting Line:  Na Li vs. Shahar Peer

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Thursday February 18, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Na Li made history in Melbourne when she became one of two-Chinese players to make the semi-finals of the Australian Open and she accomplished the feat by taking out Venus Williams in the quarters. Na Li is a victory away from a potential re-match of that exciting final eight clash and standing in her way is an on-fire Shahar Peer. That Peer was denied a chance to compete in Dubai last year (messy politics) and a year later blasts her way into the quarters is a story in itself. If she goes further, it would be a poignant story of redemption.

Her solid form definitely sets her up with a perceived shot at advancing further. But to do so, she would have to accomplish something she hasn’t yet done and that is beat Na Li.
On two previous occasions, Na Li has beaten Shahar Peer. In 2008 Doha, Li won convincingly 6-1, 6-3 and later that year at the US Open, Li persevered 2-6, 6-0, 6-1.

On the back of those results, Li should enter this match as the distinct favourite. Backing those favourite odds is also solid form on the season. Tennis bettors could do no worse than back Li for the win.

There is a nervous trepidation in the market because Peer has been sensational thus far  (11- 4 on the season) and she is after taking out the top seed Caroline Wozniacki, convincingly. I expect Peer to come in as a mere underdog (under the +200-point) and if she does, you can bet the bookies are considering her a serious threat. Tennis bettors should be tempted to take those odds.

Tennis Free Picks: Whichever way you slice this match there is value to be had. Both players have a lot going for them and it will come down to which player will be better on that day. Methinks, Peer to break duck against Li is the value bet. Peer in three sets is the call.

Tennis Betting Line: Venus Williams vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Match Time: 05:00 AM Eastern Time Thursday February 18, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Venus Williams should be massively favoured over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in this match and I expect the trend will fall in line with her odds. The question in this match is whether Pavlyuchenkova is a credible threat. I expect the market will unveil large odds on her, significantly so. Yet, Pavlyuchenkova is a player on the rise. More significantly, Pavlyuchenkova has the 2-1 edge over Venus having beaten her back-to-back in Tokyo and Beijing last year. Both encounters were hard fought, which just adds to Pavlyuchenkovas’ value in this match. That she stayed with Venus through a match and edged her out is a huge feat for the then 17-year-old.

Then again this is Venus Williams we are talking about and if there were a player to meet out revenge she is one of the best, perhaps only second to sister Serena. Venus will well remember those losses and she will be looking for redemption. Makes her the better play in spite of the losing record she currently owns.

Tennis Free Picks: While Pavlyuchenkova has shown she can beat Venus and very well might do so again, this time around I expect Venus to come through in convincing fashion. Straight, tight sets for Venus.

If you enjoyed this article then get full access to all our other features plus a 50% bonus when you sign up with us by clicking on this link