Venus, Clijsters reach third round at U.S. Open

Tennis Betting Lines

09/01/2010 - Flushing Meadows, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Two-time champion Venus Williams and second-seeded Kim Clijsters were among Wednesday's second-round winners at the U.S. Open.

The third-seeded former world No. 1 Williams got past Rebecca Marino 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 at Ashe Stadium. The powerful American advanced in just over an hour-and-a-half, with the help of 23 unforced errors from her unheralded Canadian opponent. Marino was unable to break Williams' formidable serve on Day 3.

Williams, who is playing her first tennis since Wimbledon because of a knee injury, titled here back-to-back in 2000 and 2001 and was the U.S. Open runner-up to her younger sister Serena in 2002.

Up next for the seven-time major titlist Williams will be Luxembourg's Mandy Minella, who dismissed 32nd-seeded Wimbledon semifinalist Tsvetana Pironkova, of Bulgaria, 6-4, 6-0. Pironkova stunned Williams in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon this summer.

The 27-year-old Belgian basher and 2009 champion Clijsters breezed into the next round after dispatching Australian Sally Peers on the hardcourts in an efficient 56 minutes, by a 6-2, 6-1 count.

Earlier in the day, fifth-seed Aussie Samantha Stosur had an easy time with countrywoman Anastasia Rodionova 6-1, 6-4, while sixth-seeded French Open champion Francesca Schiavone improved to 9-1 in her last 10 Grand Slam matches with a 6-2, 6-1 dismantling of fellow Italian Maria Elena Camerin.

Schiavone became the first Italian woman to capture a major title, which she did at the French Open back in June.

Tenth-seeded Victoria Azarenka retired from her second-rounder amid some extremely hot conditions on Wednesday. Argentine Gisela Dulko was pasting Azarenka 5-1 in the first set when the Belarusian collapsed on the court just 31 minutes into the match.

Azarenka left the Grandstand Court via wheelchair, with an ice pack on her neck. She then exited the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on a stretcher, and was driven away by an ambulance.

"I was warming up in the gym prior to my match against Gisela Dulko when I fell while running a sprint," Azarenka said. "I fell forward and hit my arm and head. I was checked by the medical team before I went on court and they were courtside for monitoring. I felt worse as the match went on, having a headache and feeling dizzy. I also started having trouble seeing and felt weak before I fell. I was taken to the hospital for some medical tests and have been diagnosed with a mild concussion."

Former U.S. Open runner-up Elena Dementieva, seeded 12th here, moved on with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Austrian mother Sybille Bammer. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up Dementieva is the reigning Olympic gold medalist and reached the final here in Flushing in 2004.

Israel's Shahar Peer, the 16-seed, advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph over France's Pauline Parmentier and 19th-seeded Flavia Pennetta also recorded a straight-set win, 6-1, 6-4, over Hungary's Agnes Szavay.

Some other seeds were dismissed on Day 3 when France's Virginie Razzano surprised 13th-seeded former Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli, of France, 7-5, 6-4 and former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic drubbed No. 21 Chinese Zheng Jie 6-3, 6-0 in 56 minutes at Ashe Stadium.

"I was really happy with today's game, because she's tough opponent and I lost to her last couple of times we played," Ivanovic said of Zheng. "I was expecting really tough match."

Twentieth-seeded Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova avoided an upset by handling Indian Sania Mirza 6-2, 6-4, while 24th-seeded Slovak Daniela Hantuchova came from behind to beat American Vania King 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 and Italian Sara Errani erased 28th-seeded Russian Alisa Kleybanova 6-2, 6-3.

In other late action, 27th-seeded Czech Petra Kvitova downed Elena Baltacha 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, Ukraine's Alona Bondarenko, the 29th seed, put to rest popular American Melanie Oudin 6-2, 7-5

The newest U.S. Open champion will pocket at least $1.7 million.

Wwwmp3now Tennis Betting News

<< Big Ten gives Nebraska no breaks in 2011 schedule
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -The Big Ten's welcome gift to Nebraska looks more like a booby prize.The football schedule for 2011-12, the Cornhuskers' first two seasons in the Big Ten, pits Nebraska against a lineup no sane coach would envy.The Cornhuskers open

<< Allen has smashing 2010 debut as D'Backs top free-falling Padres
Phoenix, AZ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brandon Allen belted his first career grand slam in the bottom of the seventh inning, and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat San Diego, 5-2, to complete a three-game sweep at Chase Field. It was quite a 20

<< Royals activate Meche, Fields from 60-day DL
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Kansas City Royals have activated pitcher Gil Meche and infielder Josh Fields from the 60-day disabled list. The Royals also recalled catcher Lucas May from Triple-A Omaha. To make room on th

<< Seattle RHP Shawn Kelley gets good surgery news
SEATTLE (AP) -Mariners right-handed reliever Shawn Kelley received good news during exploratory elbow surgery and does not need to undergo a full Tommy John ligament replacement operation.Seattle interim manager Daren Brown says Tuesday that Kelley'

<< Jimbo Fisher anxious as coaching debut draws near
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -Jimbo Fisher's last play on a football field was for Samford. His first play as a college coach will be against the same small Alabama school.After more than two decades as an assistant coach at a handful of southeastern scho

Astros' Moehler has surgery >>
Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Houston Astros right-hander Brian Moehler had successful lower abdominal and groin surgery Wednesday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Bill Meyers at the Hahnemann Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. Moehle

Revs fall to Morelia in SuperLiga final >>
Foxborough, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A pair of second-half goals from Miguel Sabah propelled Morelia to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution in the SuperLiga final on Wednesday. The Mexican side was the stronger team in the f

Nationals/Marlins involved in brawl >>
Miami, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Washington center fielder Nyjer Morgan charged the mound and punched Florida Marlins pitcher Chris Volstad in the sixth inning, inciting a benches-clearing brawl Wednesday night. Florida was ahead 15-5 with one o

Redskins give third-string QB Beck contract extension >>
Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Washington Redskins have reportedly given third-string quarterback John Beck a contract extension. The Washington Post on Wednesday quoted ESPN's Adam Schefter as saying Beck agreed to a two-ye

Cubs' Gorzelanny exits early with hand injury, will have more tests >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cubs pitcher Tom Gorzelanny left Wednesday's 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning with a hand injury. The Cubs starter exited when a line drive from Pirates outfielder Jose Tab

Football Betting Lines

The 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds have been released and Denver Broncos' running back Knowshon Moreno has been made the opening favorite.

Bet NFL Sports Lines

Moreno was selected in the first round of April's NFL draft and is expected to carry the rushing load for the Broncos this season. And with Jay Cutler now in Chicago, Moreno might be expected to be Denver's entire offense.

Betting Lines from sports betting lines have made Moreno a 5/2 favorite to win this year's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Fellow running back Chris “Beanie” Wells (Arizona Cardinals) is right behind Moreno at 7/2, while Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts) and receiver Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers) are 5/1 to win. Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) and Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) are 7/1 and 8/1, respectively.

A couple of players who present some value are Josh Freeman, Shonn Green and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Freeman needs to beat out Byron Leftwich to become the starting quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but if he does, he has a lot or raw talent and could use the weapons around him (i.e. Kellen Winslow Jr. and Antonio Bryant) to be very successful in his first season.

Green enters a crowded backfield in New York, but considering both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are unhappy about their contract situations and might holdout, the former Iowa product could become the Jets' primary back.

Everyone was shocked when Al Davis took Heyward-Bey with the eighth overall pick in April's draft, but the kid has a tremendous amount of talent and if quarterback JaMarcus Russell takes the next step this year, the former Maryland product could blossom. Plus, Heyward-Bey will be looking to prove the people wrong who said Oakland should have taken Michael Crabtree with the No. 8 pick.

And if you're looking for a deep sleeper, check out Pat White at 30/1. He enters the Miami Dolphins vaunted “Wild Cat” offense and could be a big time playmaker.

For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, see below.

2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds to Win

Ramses Barden (NYG) 40/1

Andre Brown (NYG) 20/1

Donald Brown (IND) 5/1

Kenny Britt (TEN) 20/1

Glenn Coffee (SFO) 30/1

Chase Coffman (CIN) 50/1

Michael Crabtree (SFO) 5/1

Josh Freeman (TB) 14/1

Shonn Green (NYJ) 14/1

Percy Harvin (MIN) 10/1

Darrius Heyward-Bay (OAK) 18/1

Juaquan Iglesias (CHI) 30/1

Cornelius Ingram (PHI) 50/1

Rashad Jennings (JAC) 30/1

Johnny Knox (CHI) 40/1

Jeremy Maclin (PHI) 18/1

Mohamed Massaquoi (CLE) 30/1

LeSean McCoy (PHI) 12/1

Knowshon Moreno (DEN) 5/2

Hakeem Nicks (NYG) 18/1

Brandon Pettigrew (DET) 30/1

Brian Robiskie (CLE) 20/1

Mark Sanchez (NYJ) 7/1

Matthew Stafford (DET) 8/1

Jason Smith (STL) 40/1

Mike Thomas (JAC) 25/1

Patrick Turner (MIA) 50/1

Mike Wallace (PIT) 50/1

Chris Wells (ARI) 7/2

Pat White (MIA) 30/1

Field (Any Other Player) 9/1

Betting Line

To visit this sports betting site go to BettingExpress.com for all your football betting lines needs.

For sports betting with credit cards site go to BettingExpress.com as well.

FOOTBALL BETTING

Sportsbook Betting

After all the trouble that’s ensued since Braylon Edwards allegedly punched one of LeBron James’ homeboys in the face at a club, the Cleveland Browns have sent away their last remaining player of worth to the New York Jets. This is a great move for Dirty Sanchez and all, but it’s even better for the Knicks. Now Donnie Walsh can say, “You get to haunt Braylon Edwards with your posse if you sign here!” next summer.

Putting that aside for a moment, the move is a clear indication that the new-look Jets are gunning for the Super Bowl this year. I don’t think that New York thought that Dirty Sanchez was going to be such a rock star. With a 75.2 passer rating that was killed against the Jets, Sanchez is doing an admirable job of managing games and putting the Jets in a position to win. The defense has been the major story in New York thus far, but the acquisition of Braylon Edwards makes this offense loaded with talent that can dent any defense…as long as Dirty Sanchez continues his meteoric rise.

Thus far, Edwards has been a non-factor in the NFL piling up just 139 receiving yards on 10 catches. He has yet to find the endzone, and with the Browns mired in the most unsexy quarterback controversy of all time (Anderson vs. Quinn...yawn), there going nowhere fast. Edwards is two seasons removed from a career year which saw him catch 80 passes for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns when the Browns were the spread killing monsters of 2007. In 2008, injuries slowed the receiver down to just 873 yards and three touchdowns though he played in all 16 games.

So that being said, we really don’t know if Braylon Edwards is just a flash in the pan, or a legit threat. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he is a prototypical receiver. But he’s also shown a strange, and unwarranted, talent for dropping passes. Lining up opposite Jericho Cotchery, a speed demon with 23 catches, 356 yards and a single touchdown, may give Braylon the open looks he needs. A change of scenery may also rejuvenate the star receiver.

In return, the Browns will receive Chansi Stuckey, online football betting a special teams player you’ve never heard of and a pair of draft picks. That’s a tall order for a guy whose only real value right now is in his name, and it shows no promise to the Browns that they can rebuild around those acquisitions. Braylon was the only reason to hope for the Browns to go 3-14 SU this year. Without him, they don’t have a single guy on offense that can scare any team.

For the Jets, it’s a response to the pounding that they took at the hand of the Saints. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington have averaged around 4.0 yards per carry each on the ground, but striking a fair balance between the passing and rushing attacks in New York has been a struggle. You have to believe that the trio of Dustin Keller, Jericho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards will give Sanchez the weapons he needs to unleash through the air. Theoretically, that would open up holes for the rushing game. But the proposed public option health care plan works in theory too. We need to see the proof in the pudding before we start loading up mega bucks on the New York Jets to take the AFC.

The one wrinkle in this whole thing is that Braylon could very well be suspended by the league for disciplinary action due to his “brawl” with LeBron’s friend. If that’s the case, the Jets may have to bench him for a few games leaving them with a somewhat depleted receiving corps for a few games. Also, this is a guy who gets in fights with people at clubs. New York may not be the best place for him. Just sayin’.

The Jets have a long week before they meet the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football Betting in a virtual pick ‘em game. Braylon’s excess baggage may be a distraction, and his curiously low production may be what we should be expecting of him overall, but for the Jets, taking a chance to strike gold is well worth it. At the end of the year, they can simply just blame it on their rookie quarterback.

NFL Betting Lines

To visit this sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your college football betting needs.