Federer sneaks into Cincy semis

Tennis Betting Lines

08/17/2007 - Mason, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - World No. 1 Roger Federer needed all three sets to win his quarterfinal match Friday at the $2.45 million Western & Southern Financial Group Masters -- the seventh of nine ATP Masters Series events this season.

Federer held off tough Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 on the hardcourts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Federer's semifinal opponent on Saturday will be former world No. 1 Aussie Lleyton Hewitt.

The 11-time major titlist Federer titled here in 2005, and the reigning Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Aussie Open champ was last week's Montreal Masters runner-up to Serbian star Novak Djokovic.

In a matchup of former No. 1s on Day 5 here, Hewitt got the best of Spaniard Carlos Moya 6-2, 6-4. The former French Open champion Moya, who stunned the aforementioned Djokovic here on Wednesday, beat Hewitt in the 2002 Cincy finale. The two-time major titlist Hewitt also finished as the runner-up here in 2004.

Hewitt will now meet Federer for a 20th time, with the Swiss holding a 12-7 lifetime advantage, including wins in their last 10 matchups. The Aussie hasn't beaten the Swiss since 2003. Federer beat Hewitt in last week's quarters in Montreal.

This week's winner will pocket $400,000.

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An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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