Waste Management Phoenix Open 2013

The PGA Tour moves on to the WM Phoenix Open this week, an event with a long and proud history. First staged in 1932, the Phoenix Open can also boast an impressive roll of honour. The most successful golfers in the event’s history with three victories apiece are Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer and Mark Calcavecchia. In recent years, the winner of the tournament has been difficult to pick. J.B. Holmes enjoyed two victories in 2006 and 2008 and other recent winners include Hunter Mahan (2010) and Kyle Stanley (2012).

A number of the leading contenders will be moving on from the Farmers Insurance Open, won by Tiger Woods by a four-stroke margin at Torrey Pines. Woods is not in the field this week but several of his pursuers return to action hoping to cash in on their excellent form. Brandt Snedeker (16-1) and Nick Watney (16-1) finished tied for second and fourth respectively and are certain to be well supported. Snedeker was defending champion at Torrey Pines and put up a brave defence, although he could never get close enough to pose a threat to the World Number Two on the final round. Severe fog caused the tournament to run into a fifth day so there is little respite for those who took part.

A final round 69 left Snedeker to share second place with Josh Teater (80-1 in this week’s Phoenix Open betting) whilst Watney finished a shot back along with Jimmy Walker (66-1). A further shot behind were Robert Garrigus (33-1), Rickie Fowler (18-1) and Aaron Baddeley on eight under par. Australian Aaron Baddeley (66-1) won this event back in 2007 and will have been greatly encouraged by his prominent showing last week.

Rickie Fowler recovered from a first round 77 at Torrey Pines to finish 65-70-68 and move into a tie for sixth place. He also boasts some impressive form here having been runner-up in 2010. The European challenge includes Martin Kaymer (28-1), Padraig Harrington (50-1) and Nicolas Colsaerts (50-1). Germany’s Martin Kaymer plays his first event on the PGA Tour since taking up official membership but will feel very much at home here. He has a residence nearby and will surely improve on his only previous visit back in 2010 when he missed the cut. He has looked quite sharp on the European Tour in Abu Dhabi and Qatar already this season.

Several bookmakers have Jason Dufner as clear favourite on 14-1 after two solid efforts in the Middle East. Previous winner Hunter Mahan looks generously priced at 35-1 and Bubba Watson (18-1) and Phil Mickelson (25-1) are other leading candidates in a typically strong field. Mahan finished 15^th last week whilst Mickelson finished down the field in 51^st place. However, Mickelson is working his way back gently from a serious bout of flu and his eyes are focussed on being at the peak of his game in time for the Masters at Augusta. Bill Haas (35-1) is another who performed creditably last week and arrives at the tournament in excellent shape.

There are several other markets besides the outright winner including First Round Leader and Top Ten Finish, providing the punter with plenty of opportunities to spread their investment.

Full round up of Golf Betting

Football World Cup Group C

World Cup 2014 Group C Betting has provided some of the most exciting action so far in the UEFA qualification zone. The draw for Group C placed European powerhouses Germany alongside the battling qualities of both Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. Over the early stages of qualification for the 2014 World Cup the group has taken on a somewhat expected shape. Germany, Euro 2012 and World Cup 2010 semi finalists are the strongest side by far, their potent forward attacking displays giving them a solid grip on the qualification race. Although the Germans netted fifteen goals in their first four matches, they were tripped up in a draw against Sweden, one of the most remarkable games we’re likely to see in 2014 World Cup qualification.

Leading 4-0 at half time on home soil against the Swedes, a stunning comeback from Sweden saw them take a point away in a highly unlikely 4-4 draw. While that has offered some automatic qualification hopes for Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, it is highly unlikely that collapses like that are going to happen too often to Joachim Loew’s Germany. They are second ranked side in the world for a good reason and the most plausible outcome is that they will power their way to top spot in the group, but at least Sweden the Republic of Ireland have the potential to cause upsets, and that is what makes Group C so interesting.

Sweden made an unbeaten start to their qualification group, although they looked as if they were going down against Germany until that stunning fight back. The return match between those two should be another group highlight. Sweden have goals in them and they are not that likely to concede too many in the group. There may well be a bit of value in looking at Sweden in World Cup 2014 Group C betting, just as an outside shot to win the group. Sweden of course have the goal scoring threats of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to potentially fire them towards Brazil 2014.

The Republic of Ireland, who were handed a tough group at Euro 2014 are usually a very solid qualification side. The Irish always put up a battle and will push and challenge hard to muscle their way into a qualification place. As long as Germany keep themselves on track to win the group, and they should take enough from their home matches to do so, it could leave a really tough tussle between the Irish and the Swedish to get into the mix. The Irish though perhaps are not as defensively organized and strong as the Swedes and that could be the difference at the end of the day. Sweden are trading much stronger in the qualification market than Ireland.

Making up the numbers in the group will be Austria, Kazakhstan and the rank outsiders Faroe Islands. 

Betting on Football

Humana Golf Challenge 2013

The USPGA Tour returns to the mainland this week after two weeks in Hawaii and the Humana Challenge sees the return to action of Phil Mickelson. His preparation for this event has been far from ideal having recently recovered from a bout of flu but he is certain to have his supporters at odds as high as 28-1 going into the tournament. Whilst Mickelson acknowledged that he has not been able to practise as much as in previous years, he feels that it may not necessarily be a bad thing with such a long season ahead.

Matt Kuchar (16-1) and Webb Simpson (28-1) are also sure to be popular, both playing their third consecutive event of the new season. Kuchar finished ninth at the Hyundai and fifth at the Sony whilst Simpson did not figure in either event. Brandt Snedeker (8-1) is the early favourite after a third-place finish at the Hyundai and Tim Clark (33-1) was runner-up to Russell Henley (28-1) at the Sony.

There are three courses combined to host a pro-am format over the first three rounds with the professionals taking centre stage for the fourth and final round on the Palmer Course at PGA West. Birdies should not be hard to come by in a layout that once saw David Duval shoot 59 and ranked only 46th toughest of 49 courses on the PGA Tour. The Nicklaus Course and La Quinta also ranked in the forties and low numbers are guaranteed.

Tim Clark is one of the best wedge players in the game and looks in fine form judging by his runner-up spot last week. He has a fine record here having been placed on every visit and is an obvious outside bet at big odds. The only drawback is that he still has just one PGA Tour victory to his name but he could certainly be in the money.

Brandt Snedeker may be distracted by his Farmers Insurance Open defence next week, but will be hoping to shoot some low numbers. You could not rule out the possibility of back-to-back wins for Russell Henley after his recent victory. There is no substitute for confidence in golf and he goes into this competition on the crest of a wave. At just 23 years of age, he will looking to build on that excellent start to 2013. He shot three rounds of 63 and a 67 for a score of 24 under par and put together some impressive driving and putting statistics in the process. Last year Johnson Wagner followed up his Sony victory by finishing second in the Humana Challenge so a prominent showing by Henley would not be a huge surprise.

Jimmy Walker (66-1) is another outsider with chances in a wide open field. The big hitter has the right game for this venue and his putting statistics give him fine prospects. He has finished in the top ten in his last ten outings in California and his recent results are encouraging. He has finished 10th, 4th and 26^th. He is also under the guidance of Butch Harmon and has been tipped to put in a big performance this year. His closing 64 in Hawaii suggests his turn might not be too far away.

As well as Humana Challenge betting on the outright winner, there are also markets for top American, top European, top Australian and top rest of the world players.

Golf Betting

India v England Cricket ODI Series

England took a surprise early lead in the ODI Series with India but came back to earth with a bump when they were defeated by 127 runs in the second match. Their impressive victory in Rajkot was cancelled out by a dominant display from India’s bowlers as England capitulated in the run chase in Kochi.

If England can salvage anything from such a sizeable defeat, it is in the fact that they seemed well in charge until the final 10 overs of the Indian innings. India were struggling at 119-4 before they turned the innings around. A superb stand between Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (72) and Ravindra Jadeja (61 not out) gave the hosts a healthy total of 285 to defend. Even then, England started confidently enough and reached 58-1 in the tenth over before the rot set in, adding only another 100 runs for the loss of their remaining wickets.

Tim Bresnan has recovered from bruising above the knee and is expected to be in contention for the third match in the series. England captain Alastair Cook was among those calling for calm in the wake of such a crushing defeat. An unexpected nine-run win in the first one-day international possibly raised expectations but the key will be whether they can find consistency.

One thing that England will need to do is curb the freedom with which Dhoni is allowed to accumulate runs for India’s middle-order. He smashed seven fours and two sixes in just 66 balls and England’s seam bowlers had no answer. With three matches to go, he could prove decisive unless the visitors can find a way to shackle him. India actually scored 108 runs in the final ten overs of their innings and that swung the initiative heavily in their favour.

The vital third match is held in Dhoni's hometown, Ranchi, and all eyes will be on him when he takes to the crease. One Englishman who is under particular attention is fast bowler Steven Finn. In the absence of James Anderson (rested) and Stuart Broad (injured), Finn is England's main strike bowler. As such, he has a crucial role to play and is usually called upon to bowl at the end of the innings when the pressure is really on. Finn is confident that he can handle the pressure and was not overawed by playing in front of 60,000 noisy spectators in Kochi. He believes that the first over is as crucial as the last because it sets the tone for the innings.

India go into the third game at 4-7 favourites in the Cricket betting odds with England 9-5 and a drawn series priced at 24-1. There is also a strong market on the series correct score and India to win 3-2 heads the market at 6-4. England are 9-4 to win by the same margin. Alastair Cook is 11-5 to be England’s top batsman, narrowly favoured to Kevin Peterson (12-5) and Ian Bell (11-4). Dhoni is now 3-1 joint-favourite to prove India’s top batsman along with Suresh Raina.

India v England ODI Series Betting

South Africa v New Zealand Cricket ODI Series

South Africa comprehensively outplayed New Zealand to seal a 2-0 Test Match series victory and are strong favourites to inflict further damage on the visitors in the ODI series.

The Proteas won the first Test in Cape Town by an innings and 27 runs and followed up with an even more emphatic winning margin at Port Elizabeth. After being bowled out for 211 in their second innings, New Zealand were still 193 runs behind the first innings total set by South Africa. Fast bowler Dale Steyn finished with impressive match figures of eight for 65.

By the start of play on the fourth day, New Zealand were in deep trouble at 157 for four and were pinning their hopes on Dean Brownlie and BJ Watling to put up stubborn resistance. Although both players reached the fifty mark, their partnership ended at 98 when Jacques Kallis had Brownlie caught behind by AB de Villiers. Watling was joined at the crease by Colin Munro and the Black Caps passed the 200 mark but the arrival of the new ball sent the wickets tumbling.

Morne Morkel had Munro caught at third slip by Alviro Petersen and Steyn ended all hopes of a New Zealand recovery when dismissing Watling shortly afterwards. The final three New Zealand wickets fell in successive overs to bring the curtain down on a devastating two-match series for the visitors. There will be no time to dwell on their poor performances with the 3-match ODI series getting under way in Paarl on 19^th January.

The opening match is in Boland followed by successive day-nighters in Kimberley and Potchefstroom. The Black Caps will have several new personnel to choose from for this different format of cricket and will be desperate to restore some pride against he in-form South Africans. Among those joining the squad will be Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol and Nathan McCullum. For those making the switch from the Test Match arena to ODI, this represents an opportunity to exact some revenge on their tormentors after being completely outplayed in the five-day format.

Dale Steyn was rightly awarded man of the match in Port Elizabeth for his excellent bowling performance and other South Africans in prime form are Morne Morkel, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Graeme Smith, Robin Peterson and Rory Kleinveldt. New Zealand are currently ranked only ninth in ODI cricket but they can look back to their surprise victory over the Proteas in Dhaka in the World Cup quarter-final of 2011.

The pitches for the ODI series should be ideal for scoring runs and Sri Lanka chased down a target of 300 on Kimberley’s flat surface last season. From the spectator point of view, it would certainly be nice to see the New Zealand batsmen restore some pride over the three matches.

Not surprisingly, South Africa are hot favourites at 1-6 to win the series with New Zealand 6-1 and a drawn series at 9-1. Many expect South Africa to remain in the ascendancy and they are only 11-10 to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the latest Cricket betting odds. There are also markets for Top batsman for either side and Top bowler.

South Africa v New Zealand ODI Betting

Tyson Fury v David Price Boxing

The much anticipated British heavyweight title clash of David Price v Tyson Fury is already gaining massive interest. The two could have very similar 2013’s as 29 year old Liverpudlian Price is working his way to a shot at the World Heavyweight title, while Tyson Fury is looking ready to step in and test himself already against world number two Vitali Klitschko. ‘England’s Fury’ who is ranked 10th in the world, will likely get to the big prize of one of the Klitschko brothers before Price, but it is the British Heavyweight title fight against the Liverpudlian which has everyone talking right now.

Fury, the former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion has recorded twenty wins from twenty fights so far in his career. During his successful 2012, Fury gained the Irish Heavyweight title and also took the WBO Intercontinental title. The last time that the 24 year old was in the ring was against Kevin Johnson, taking an easy unanimous decision against the American at the start of November in 2012. Discussion between the two respective camps for a Tyson Fury v David Price clash has been rumbling along for some time, as Britain realistically have two genuine, potential world title holders in their midst.

The battle between the two Brits could have massive implications for both careers. If neither gets to square off against a Klitschko brother before they go head to head, the loser of the British Heavyweight title clash could see their shots of getting a world title shot dashed. So it could be a career make or break bout for the Brits and it is wanted more by Price it seems than by Fury. the world number ten Fury wants to jump straight in against Vitali Klitschko, which would upset David Haye’s bid to fight the king of the WBC.

A Tyson Fury v David Price bout would likely be the biggest ever in British boxing history, a title bout that would fully live to expectations. It is Price however who is trading as favourite ahead of England’s Fury with the bookmakers at the moment, for what should be an explosive bout when it occurs. The longer the wait, the bigger the rivalry, but both fighters have to put their money where their mouths are in their bouts leading up to the big clash. 

Boxing Betting

David Price Boxing

England’s David Price will be looking for a step up in quality opposition in 2013 after enjoying something of a comfortable ride through 2012. The Liverpudlian will take his unbeaten professional career into some big tests this year, the biggest encounter being the potential massive showdown against fellow Brit Tyson Fury. Price’s career has been gaining momentum and he picked up the vacant British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles last year against Sam Sextion with a fourth round knockout. Having retained the title against challenges from Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton, both with knockouts inside of two rounds, his next matchup will be against American Tony Thompson on February 23rd.

It will be a return to the Echo Arena in Liverpool for the home talent in the David Price v Tony Thompson bout, the scene at which it took Price just 83 second to end the career of Audley Harrison last year. The latest bout against Thompson will likely serve as nothing more than a primer for the rest of the season for the Brit. Thompson is a veteran of the boxing circuit now, most recently losing for the second time in his career against Wladimir Klitschko in mid 2012. The 41 year old has a professional record of 36 wins and 3 losses and will be a tougher matchup for Price, but nothing that Price’s camp is very worried about.

With a steady and progressive 2012 behind Price (knocking out his opponent in each of his four fights during the year), he has to now use that a massive stepping stone for his future. It is a bout against Tyson Fury which Price’s 2013 is heading likely towards. That is the most likely route forward for him, stepping into the ring for a British Heavyweight title bout. According to Price, who believes that he is just five fights away from a potential shot at the World Heavyweight crown, a fight against ‘England’s Fury’ would be a career maker or breaker for both of the fighters.

In order to get to that stage, Price has to go through much tougher fighters than he did in 2012 and it will all start with his February opener against Thompson. The Brit is favourite to take the win, and if Price’s devastating form continues, it could be another quick victory. It would take him yet another step towards the clash with Fury, where the bookmakers have already drawn him in as favourite.

Boxing Betting Odds

Roger Federer Tennis

It could be a benchmark year for the great Roger Federer in his tennis career as he goes in search of grand Slam titles in 2013. The Swiss superstar has picked up an immense 17 Grand Slam titles during his illustrious career and although there has been clear evidence of his domination of the game waning over the past three seasons, is anyone ready to write him off completely? Is there an 18th Grand Slam title waiting for him in 2013? With question marks over Rafael Nadal and his fitness and injury problems, out of Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, there is a genuine sense that Federer is going to have to work the hardest to win titles. He is the oldest of the bunch and that will count in the grueling competitiveness and heat of the Grand Slams.

Federer has gotten his hands on just one of the last eleven Grand Slams he has contested and has been in just two finals in those eleven. His most recent title came at Wimbledon in 2012 where he cruised past home favourite Andy Murray. Federer has a great affinity with Wimbledon, winning the title seven times, the most popular scene of all his Grand Slam successes. Can he mount one more title defence? The last time that Roger Federer defended a Grand Slam title was back in 2008 when he won the US Open for the fifth time in a row. Four titles in the last four years is all that Federer has, with 2011 yielding zero for him.

So will he be able to sustain his challenge against the younger players at the top of the game? He has the composure, he has perhaps the quickest tennis brain if not the quickest legs. So how many of the 2013 Grand Slams is Roger Federer likely to get his hands on? The popular options are going to be either None or One and that is the mark at which bookmakers are protecting themselves in Roger Federer Grand Slam betting. Federer winning more than one in 2013 will return massively long odds of a general 9/1 and out.

US Open
Unlike his run of five straight titles at the US Open between 2004 and 2008, Federer has never looked quite at home so much on the hard court surfaces of Melbourne Park. He has taken four Australian Open titles though, his last coming in 2010. The last two seasons has seen him bow out at the semi final stage and with the presences of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, combined with early season rust and the heat of Australia, it may be tough for him to get to the top of the field.

French Open
Despite final appearances five times, Federer has only claimed the title in Paris once, happening on the only time he didn’t meet Rafael Nadal in the final there. A fully fit Rafael Nadal is going to be a better option than Federer in Paris, so too Novak Djokovic who is gaining stature on the tricky red clay. Federer is least likely to get his hands on this one.

Wimbledon
This is where some of his greatest moments have come and where he is most at home. He loves the tournament and will be targeting a title defence. The game can be played a little slower on grass which suits him and if he takes a title in 2013 it will likely come in London. Biggest challengers again will be home favourite Andy Murray and world number one Novak Djokovic.

US Open
Coming near the end of the long season, the US Open is a tall order to raise your game again for. Federer has been on a slow decline at Flushing Meadows following his last title there in 2008. A quarter final exit last season was his worst performance since 2003 and the pace and power of Murray and Djokovic will throw down a huge gauntlet to Federer here. 

Watch Live Tennis

Six Nations Top Try Scorer 2013

The Six Nations Championship starts on February 2^nd when Wales open the defence of their title against Ireland. Wales also claimed the Triple Crown and the Grand Slam in 2012 but can expect tough opposition from France and England this year. There will be a feast of top class rugby right through to the concluding fixtures on March 16^th. Bookmakers are offering odds on outright tournament winner, the wooden spoon and all fifteen matches plus several special markets. The Six Nations 2013 Top Tryscorer betting is wide open with 8-1 and upwards about any player in the tournament.

Chris Ashton is the market leader at 8-1. Ashton has played at international level in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. He formerly represented his home club Wigan Warriors in the Super League as a full-back before joining Saracens in the Aviva Premiership. Now established on the wing, Ashton was joint leading try-scorer with six when representing England at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. He started all five matches for England in last year’s Six Nations and scored a hat-trick of tries in the 57-26 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham. He also started all three test matches on the 2012 summer tour to South Africa.

Maxime Médard of France is a leading contender at 14-1. Médard plays his club rugby for French club Stade Toulousain and is extremely versatile. He is equally effective at full-back and on the wing and is a two-time winner of the Heineken Cup.

Alex Cuthbert of Wales will have his supporters at around 9-1. Although born in Gloucester, Cuthbert qualifies for Wales by virtue of his mother being born in Wrexham. He plays on the wing for Cardiff Blues and is now a regular in the Welsh starting line up. He scored the only try in the final game against France in Wales' Six Nations triumph last year and started in all of his side’s Autumn International fixtures. He also scored a try in the game against New Zealand and is clearly a player to watch.

Wesley Fofana is the shortest in the betting from France at 10-1. Fofana plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne and can play at either wing or centre. He is nicknamed “The Cheetah” in France because of his terrific acceleration and is a threat to any defence in the tournament. He made his international debut in the Six Nations against Italy in 2012, marking his debut with a try. He also scored in the games against Scotland and Ireland. A 75^th minute try against England completed a remarkable four tries in his first four internationals.

Manu Samoa Tuilagi of England is priced at 12-1 to be top tryscorer during the tournament. Samoan-born Tuilagi plays for Aviva Premiership side Leicester Tigers and can also play on the wing or at centre. He made his England debut in the World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham in 2011, scoring a try in the 44th minute. He also scored in the third warm up game against Ireland.

Craig Gilroy is the most prominent Irish player in the betting at 16-1. He plays on the wing for Ulster, scoring in the defeat of Munster in the April 2012 Heineken Cup quarter final. In November last year, Gilroy scored a hat-trick of tries for Ireland against Fiji at Thomond Park in November and scored the opening try on his test debut against Argentina.

Other leading contenders include George North (Wales) 16-1, Tim Visser (Scotland) 16-1, David Strettle (England) 25-1, Mike Brown (England) 20-1 and Simon Zebo (Ireland) 20-1.

Rugby Union Betting Odds

Andy Murray Tennis

Finally last season, at his fifth attempt in a Grand Slam final, Britain’s Andy Murray won his maiden title. In a spectacular show at Flushing Meadows in New York, the world number four beat Novak Djokovic in a truly epic encounter. That was the breakthrough moment, but now can the Scot follow it up this season with more Slam titles? One of the four elite players in the world game, has the win at the US Open finally propelled him ahead of the challenges of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer? Will winning his second, maybe third or fourth come easier for him than it was getting his hands on that first one?

It is more than likely that the Grand Slams in the men’s game in 2013 is only going to come down between Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. They are the four which have dominated for so long and still no-one can really get close to breaking their stranglehold. They split last season’s Slams between them, each winning one. But still, the bookmakers are leaning towards the probability that Andy Murray may only add one more Grand Slam title to his career achievements in 2013. Andy Murray to win none of the four 2013 Grand Slams is trading at around the same general price of him winning one in the year.

The stats paint a very positive picture of Murray though at Grand Slams over the last two years. Only once has he failed in the last eight to make it to the semi final (a quarter final exit at Roland Garros in the French Open). He has three appearances in Grand Slam finals in the last eight and really should go very close again. Realistically, the biggest stumbling block for him could be Novak Djokovic over the course of the season and that means Murray could have to wait again until later in the season to gain success. So where would success for Murray likely come this term?

Australian Open
The hard courts at the Australian Open suit Murray’s defensive game and he has reached two of the last three finals at Melbourne Park, so great recent history. Has had a good start to 2013, defending his Brisbane title and he should have a good shot here, especially with the possibility of catching Roger Federer cold early in the season and Rafael Nadal not at full match sharpness.

French Open
The French Open is the tournament that Murray is least likely to win out of the four Grand Slams. He really doesn’t have a great clay court record behind him, and Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are likely to be far stronger contenders in Paris.

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the one that every British tennis fan would like to see Murray win. He will once again have a massive support behind him on the grass of London, and with him making it to the final last year, where he lost to Roger Federer, he is a pretty solid shout to go one better. This does perhaps represent his best chance of a Slam in 2013 because of the added factor of atmosphere. Also, with the pressure of winning his first Grand Slam off his shoulders, he could deliver.

US Open
While he ground out a win over Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows last season in his second USOpen final, Novak Djokovic will be the favorite again here. Title defences are tough and this will be new territory for Andy Murray which could take its toll.

So despite Murray joining the elite Grand Slam winners club, there is a lot of work still to do to live up to the established standards of the others in the big four. Multiple Grand Slams in 2013 could be a big ask with Djokovic around, but Andy should realistically get very close to one.

Mens Australian Tennis Open 2013

The 2013 Australian Open begins on Monday 14^th January at Melbourne Park with the Men’s final taking place on Sunday 27th. The world’s greatest tennis players will be keen to get their year off to the best possible start in the first Grand Slam event of the new year. This year there is a record AUD$30 million in prize money up for grabs.

The Australian Open’s most important matches are played at the Rod Laver and Hisense Arenas, both of which have retractable roofs. The tournament has a long history having started out as the Australasian Championships in 1905 before adopting its present title in 1969. Roger Federer is currently equal with Andre Agassi with four Australian Open titles to his name and will be hoping to eclipse the American this month.

The favourite in the Mens Tennis Australian Open betting is Novak Djokovic, winner for the past two years and seeking to join Federer as a four-time winner in Melbourne. The Serbian has been in great form recently and looks to have timed his preparation perfectly for his hat-trick attempt. He defeated Andy Murray in straight sets in the 2011 final and followed up last year in a thrilling five-set clash with Rafael Nadal. With Nadal absent this year, it is no wonder that bookmakers are offering no better than 5-4 as the tournament gets underway.

Britain’s Andy Murray finally broke his duck in Tennis grand slam tournaments in last year’s US Open and that victory will give him all the confidence he needs to sustain a challenge in Australia. He showed his well-being when retaining his Brisbane International title and the Scot will be desperate to go one better than in 2010 and 2011. He is a top-priced 11-4 going into the tournament.

Of course it would be foolish to overlook Roger Federer, winner here in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010. He enjoyed a fantastic season last year, culminating in his Wimbledon triumph over Murray. Federer has not played any warm-up events and is regarded as the outsider of the big three at 5-1. There are also a handful of dangerous players who are capable of causing an upset.

Milos Raonic has been tipped to put in a big tournament this season but is currently languishing at around 66-1 in the betting market. Tomas Berdych is available at the same price whilst Juan Martin Del Potro and David Ferrer will be expected to reach the latter stages of the tournament. Berdych keeps threatening to break his way into the big-time, defeating Federer in the US Open before losing in the semi-finals whilst David Ferrer is playing better than ever at the age of thirty. The Spaniard is currently ranked five in the world and ended 2012 with victory in Paris followed by an impressive performance in the Davis Cup. Bernard Tomic is expected to lead the home challenge and John Isner is emerging as the leading player from the United States.

It promises to be a thrilling competition with live coverage on British Eurosport, multi-court coverage online and also on mobile via Eurosport Player. There will be markets on all matches during the tournament including individual set betting and final set score.

India v England ODI Series 2013

After victory in the Test Series and a draw in the Twenty20 series out in India at the back end of 2012, England’s cricketers are back to battle India again in a five match ODI series. While the English have been making some great progress with their historic Test series win, their recent ODI history in India makes for some miserable reading for English fans. Freddie Flintoff helped inspire England to a 3-3 draw in 2001-02 on the sub-continent and that was hailed as something as a success. In hindsight it really was.
‘
In 2008 and in 2011 England contested ODI series in India and on both occasions were whitewashed 5-0 by the hosts. Is that likely to happen again? At good value it may just be worth looking at for a long shot in your Cricket Betting, but the likelihood is that the series will be a lot closer. England opened with a heavy defeat against India A as a warm up for the India v England ODI series, while India themselves have accrued more pressure on themselves following the Test Series defeat against England.

India recently lost a ODI series against their rivals Pakistan, not showing any kind of form whatsoever. The performances have prompted selectors to drop experienced batsman Virender Sehwag and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has managed to just hold on to his place despite calls for him to get the chop as well. So this should be a fascinating series, but England will write India off at their peril, as the Indians will be desperately wanting to put some pride back into their game. As proven in the last two series against England, they are capable of embarrassing England in a big way, especially if England are complacent. So while another whitewash of England may be a distant dream, they could have enough to edge a tight series on home soil, making a 3-2 series win for the hosts a popular option.

While the Indian game has come under attack, England’s shot selection in their defeat against India A could be a worrying sign for the tourists, even though captain Alastair Cook did not play. England are missing three key bowlers for the series too, with spinner Graeme Swann and seamers Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson all missing out on action. The loss of spin from Swann could be a big factor. So it is a very green England bowling attack that will lead the line in the one day international series, and with conditions in the sub-continent always difficult for tourists to play in, this could be a tight series.

Kitzbuehel 2013 Super G Skiing

Norway’s Aksel Lund Svindal will be the favourite at the Kitzbuehel Super G on January 25th as the 2013 Alpine Skiing World Cup heads back to Austria. Svindal has taken The Super Giant Slalom title three times before in his career, back in 2006, 2009 and last year too. Heading into the next Super G of the 2013 Alpine Skiing World Cup, the Norwegian star is leading the way in the discipline from Italy’s Matteo Marsaglia. The two have been trading victories in three of the six Super G events in this season’s World Cup calendar, with Svindal taking two victories to Marsaglia’s one. Showing great form for the season, Aksel Lund Svindal is trading as strong favourite to go and wrap up his third race victory of the season in Kitzbuehel.

Italy’s Marsaglia should be one of the main contenders again after taking the Super G in Beaver Creek, USA on December 1st, narrowly beating Svindal into second place. With roles reversed in their Super G of the season in Val Gardena, Italy in mid December, they both make strong options for securing a podium finish. This is a step up in prowess for Marsaglia this season and should be pushing hard in his specialist event.

But not to be kept out of the Alpine Skiing picture is Norway’s Kjetil Jansrud who landed 3rd in the Superb G in Val Gardena back in December of 2011 and took third place and a win in March of 2012 at Kvitfjell, Norway in the discipline. His best finish in this season’s World Cup though was a third place in the Downhill at Beaver Creek. So while a win may be a big ask for him in Kitzbuehel, he could be value in looking at for a podium finish too. Italy’s Werner Heel, standing third in the Super G standings, took a third place finish in Super G at Val Gardena last December and could also push well for a top three spot..

For the timings of the race there have been some mixed results this season, which may suggest that going over 0.40 second for a margin of victory could actually pay off. Aksel Lund Svindal and Matteo Marsaglia could be evenly matched and just 0.27 seconds separated them at Beaver Creek, for the Italian’s victory, while the Norwegian has taken victories by 1.07 and 0.85 seconds for his wins this season in the Super G.

Womens Tennis Australian Open 2013

The 2013 Australian Open is the 101st edition of the Grand Slam, as the stars of the world’s game descend on Melbourne Park once again. World Number One Victoria Azarenka stormed her way to her maiden Grand Slam title last year as she triumphed over Maria Sharapova in straight sets in the final. That served up a big year for the Belarusian as she started hitting the full ceiling of her potential, but is there even more to come from her? She will be one of the front runners for the title, as this will be a big season for her in her quest to become a multiple Grand Slam champion and not a one off wonder. Her presence in the game, her heavy hitting is likely to take her to more, but is the timing right for her in her first ever Grand Slam title defence? Azarenka has a 21-6 match record at the event and will take heavy backing.

Azarenka though withdrew from the Brisbane International semi finals just over a week before the start of the 2013 Australian Open, after getting a toe infection following a pedicure which went bad. She is now racing to be fully fit. But the main issue for Azarenka is the fact that Serena Williams is going to be in the field and looking for her third Grand Slam in a row after winning Wimbledon and the US Open in 2012. The American started the season off well as she powered her way to victory in the Brisbane International as a warm up. She had set up a semi final clash with Azarenka in Brisbane, but the Belarusian missed the match before of her toe infection, so fans will wait with bated breath for the first meeting of 2013 between the two. Williams holds a massive 11-1 head to head record against Azarenka, beating her five times last season, including wins over the Belarusian at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympic Games. Williams is gunning for her sixth Australian Open and with 52 wins from her last 54 matches at the close of Brisbane, she is going to be the one to stop.

If either Williams and/or Azarenka fails to grab the title, then the most likely candidate in line will be Russian tennis queen Maria Sharapova. Sharapova played some of the best tennis of her career last season, and completed a full Grand Slam set when she took the French Open at Roland Garros. While the Achilles Heel of Victoria Azarenka is Serena Williams, it is Azarenka who has been a stumbling block for Sharapova. Of six meetings last season, Azarenka took four wins, including victories at the Australian Open (the final) and the US Open. Still, Sharapova is the toughest defensive player on the circuit and she has a 34-8 record at Melbourne Park, winning the title back in 2008. This will be her tenth appearance at the Australian Open.

The title could ultimately come down to one of those three but there is a superbly competitive pack behind them. 2011 Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova has looked a bit rusty out of the blocks in the new 2013 season but had a great run to the semi final last season in the Australian Open. A more promising prospect could be China’s Li Na who went to the final in 2011, one better than her semi final appearance in 2010. Na landed the title in Shenzhen, China in her first tournament of 2013 and could make a strong run in Melbourne. Germany’s rising star Angelique Kerber proved that should could live with and beat the best (only one of two players to beat Serena Williams in the American’s last 54 matches) last season. She looks to have Grand Slam credentials in her, but is she ready yet?

It leaves a good opportunity for Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska to have a run at the title. She opened 2013 in fine fettle, winning in Auckland with ease. One of the most tennis consistent players last season on the women’s tour, she lost in the final of Wimbledon to Serena Williams and is looking for her first career Grand Slam title. She is someone who could grow in stature and she one of the most intelligent players in the game, more than compensating for what she lacks in power compared to the likes of Williams, Sharapova and Azarenka.

Snooker Masters 2013

The Masters, arguably snooker’s most prestigious event, will see the best in the world will appear at the Alexandra Palace in London. Two notable absentees are missing from the draw, with neither Stephen Hendry nor Ronnie O’Sullivan in attendance. Hendry, a six time winner of the event, did not appear last season either, the first time since making his debut way back in 1989. This will be the first time that four time Masters winner O’Sullivan since the 1993/94 season. This is the second longest snooker tournament, first established in 1975.

Australia’s Neil Robertson is the defending champion at this year’s event, as he beat Shaun Murphy 10-6 in last year’s final to claim his first Masters crown. That was only victory of 2012 for the “Melbourne Machine” and the first time that he had gotten past the quarter finals. Still, with a title defence to motivate him, he is not bad value to look at, especially as the draw will keep him away from two of the strongest contenders. Due to his seeding as number one for the 2013 German Masters, Robertson would avoid Mark Selby or Judd Trump until the finals. It does leave John Higgins in his half of the draw though.

Scotland’s Higgins, who lost in the semi finals last year, is a two time winner of the Masters, but he last got his hands on the trophy back in the 2005/06 season. He is trading as one of the favourites in the outright betting for the Masters though, despite his drought at the event, his composed shot selection still not missing a beat after all the years in the game. The top half of the draw could come down to a big semi final clash between Robertson and Higgins. While the likes of last year’s runner up Shaun Murphy and 2010 Masters winner Ding Junhui are dangerous floaters, both have indifferent records at the event.

Down in the bottom half of the draw for the 2013 Masters is favourite Judd Trump. “Mr Haircut 100” really burst onto the scene when he took the China Open in 2011. That paved the way for the biggest win of his career at the UK Championship in the same year, also taking semi final berths in both The Masters and the Premier League Snooker championship that season too. One of the most exciting and prodigious young talents in the game, Trump has already reached the final of the Shanghai Masters and won the International Championship this season. It has been a rapid climb to the top and a Masters title may not be far away.

But coming back into good form, and one of the men most likely to deny him, is Mark Selby. The “Jester from Leicester” is a two time winner of the Masters, which included a triumph in the 2010 final against Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the greatest Masters finals ever. After a solid 2011/12 season, which included a win at the Shanghai Masters, Selby could just be peaking at the right time with a win at the UK Championship at the beginning of last December. Selby only made it to the quarter finals at last year’s Masters.