Bausch and Lomb at Amelia Island
Green Clay.

While not the first clay tourney of the year, Amelia island generally marks the start of the clay court swing. While it's sometimes tricky to tip the opening rounds, the clay season generally proves to be more profitable than the hardcourt swing.

Out of interest, green clay is slightly faster than red clay, has a higher bounce, longer rebound distance and is harder to slide on.



Chladkova v Pratt
Amelia Island - Round 1

Pratt plays this week courtesy of a wildcard - her ever declining ranking wasn't good enough. She is also playing on her least favourite surface which is reflected in her 30/37 career record. Chladkova on the other hand, is playing on her favourite surface. While she's had an ordianry hardcourt season thus far, her performances on clay at Berlin and Roland Garros last year suggest she is a deserving favourite. Note that Pratt won their only encounter on clay last year but she was in far better form at the time.

Chladkova $1.60 @ 5Dimes


Pierce v Bedanova
Amelia Island - Round 1

Pierce made the QF's of Indian Wells so is slowly getting back to form. She has a solid clay record of 86/39 as compared to Bedanova's 12/16 (she rarely plays onthe dirt). Bedanova is also only a few games back from a very long injury layoff so Pierce should have a definite edge. Short odds but value with Mary.

Pierce $1.25 @ Interwetten and others
($1.28 at some smaller bookies)


NB: Martinez should win but she withdrew from Nasdaq with a heel injury and her opponent Irvin has the advantage of 2 qualifying matches. Enough doubt to watch from the sidelines.

Shaui Peng, who plays tomorrow, is an ordinary clay courter who's returning from a 4 week layoff with an ankle injury. I'll be looking to oppose her.

Maria Elen Camerin, who withdrew from Nasdaq with an ankle injury, comes up against Brandi, an ordinary clay courter who won both her qualifiers. Probably one to avoid.

Daniilidou is also probably one to avoid as she's underdone from a recent thumb injury. She also has a poor clay court reord.

Linetskya is way too short in the market and Medina-Garrigues is a good chance of beating her.
Likewise Frazier is way too short with Jidkova a good chance of winning.