Fish eases into second round in Atlanta

Tennis Betting Lines

07/19/2010 - Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sixth-seeded Mardy Fish advanced into the second round of the Atlanta Tennis Championships with a straight-set win over Britain's James Ward on Monday.

The American, who brings some momentum into the tournament after winning his fourth career title in Newport on July 11, earned a relatively easy 6-1, 6-2 victory over the wild card.

With the win at Newport, the 28-year-old Fish jumped 30 spots to No. 49 in the ATP rankings and improved his match record to 24-11 this season with his victory over Ward.

In other first-round action on Monday, eighth-seeded Benjamin Becker of Germany was upset by American Michael Russell, 6-3, 6-3, while fellow countrymate Rajeev Ram defeated Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

Also on Monday, Ukraine's Illya Marchenko took a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) decision over Kristof Vliegen of Belgium, and Russia's Teimuraz Gabashvili took care of Germany's Rainer Schuettler in straight sets with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.

The tournament winner will receive $91,800.

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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.