[Wittmann 44]

Not the best start to the day so far – hopefully can turn things around this afternoon

From Metz

Llodra-Eschauer

Having made (& lost) the final at the ripe old age of 33 his first ATP event in Holland back in July it has all gone wrong for Eschauer who has lost the last 6 and who might be regretting notb staying on the Challenge tour where he has done so well. Llodra has a nice serve and volley game well suited to the fast conditions and is coming off a SF (indoors) in the large Orleans Challenger. Outside clay Escahauer has lost 7 from 8 against lefties.

2.5 Units Llorda @ 1.32

Santoro-Andreev

Going to side with the veteran Fabrice here – Andreev’s surface is clay where the slow conditions enable him to wind up his big forearm – his lack of success indoors is well illustrated by a miserable W5 L 10 career record. Santoro made the SF here in 2003 and has been unfortunate with draws in the alst two years when he lost in 3 to Ljube and Mathieu. He is having a nice little Indian summer with a recent SF in Mumbai and an ATP win in Newport. Nice price on the Magician.

2.75 Units Santoro @ 1.84

Korolev-Gicqeul

Korolev beat Gicqeul in 2 back in March (hardcourt) and comes of two qualifying matches and a very easy match against Starace whom he dominated completely. The Russians game Is rather lightweight and not as reliant on a big serve as Gicquel whose one dimensionality has been badly exposed at times this year. He muddled through against Serra a game that he should have won a lot more comfortably and I feel if Korolev can get enough balls back in he can make things difficult for the less mobile Frenchman.

1.25 Units Lay Gicquel @ 1.71