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Post by getta on Sept 28, 2011 14:21:36 GMT -5
www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2011/09/39/Kuala-Lumpur-Wednesday-Cipolla-Bests-Tomic.aspxMelzer Makes Strong Start, Joins Tursunov, Baghdatis In QFs Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by ATP Staff | 28.09.2011Fourth seed Jurgen Melzer was delighted with his performance after beginning his Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011 campaign with a resounding 6-0, 6-4 victory over South African qualifier Rik de Voest on Wednesday. The Austrian, who is making his debut in the Malaysian capital, broke serve four times and won 86 per cent of points behind his serve for victory in 63 minutes. "I started really well," said the left-hander. "The first set was one of the best sets I’ve played all year for sure. I’m feeling really good here, hopefully it can continue. The conditions are very slow but if you have enough power it can give you a little more time to set up for your shots and go for some winners, which is nice for my game."World No. 21 Melzer has struggled for form in recent weeks, not winning back-to-back ATP World Tour matches since July, when he reached the Hamburg quarter-finals (l. to Verdasco). He improved to a 20-19 match record on the season. ... Former Top 10 star Marcos Baghdatis, a wild card entry this week, successfully negotiated a potentially tricky clash against Indian Somdev Devvarman with a 7-5, 6-4 win in one hour and 46 minutes. It was the pair's third meeting this season (also BNP Paribas Open and Legg Mason Tennis Classic). "I started okay, but I was a bit impatient at 3-3 in first set when he broke my serve," said Baghdatis. "I tried to just keep ball in court, stay in the points for longer and I managed to break him twice to take the first set. It's tough conditions here, very slow and you have to work the point and just find a way to win. I'm looking forward to the next one and trying to find the solution to win."
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Post by getta on Sept 28, 2011 14:30:46 GMT -5
www.facebook.com/notes/malaysian-open-kuala-lumpur/baghdatis-melzer-and-tursonov-move-into-quarters-as-a-tomic-crashes-out/176088789138032BAGHDATIS, MELZER AND TURSUNOV MOVE INTO QUARTERS AS A-TOMIC CRASHES OUTby Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 9:47amFor the second year running, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis has reached the quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011 that is currently into its fifth day at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil. He overcame a strong challenge from world No.89 and India’s currently top ranked player, Somdev Devvarman to win 7-5, 6-4 in 105 minutes. Devvarman looked strong in the first set when he broke Baghdatis in the seventh game and took a 5-3 lead, but the Cypriot came back to break the Indian's serve in the tenth and twelfth game. Baghdatis always seemed to save his best for when his back was against the wall (... ...), saving a total of seven out of eight break points in the first set. In the second set, Baghdatis displayed good serve form, racking up four aces and taking a 3-1 lead, and while Devvarman hit a number of good winners, he also suffered from lapses in concentration that boosted his count of unforced errors for which he eventually paid the price. “I was a bit impatient in the beginning but changed my game to suit the slow court. It was disappointing to have my serve broken but I took it point for point and it turned out ok. It is always tough against Somdev,” said the 26-year-old Baghdatis, who also added he has been working hard on improving his fitness. Baghdatis, who will face Melzer in the quarterfinals, said he is looking forward to giving his best against the Austrian after having retired against him in the Australian Open. “I am disappointed I had to retire with an injured finger the last time we met. He is a great player and I will give it my all against it.”Austrian world No.21 Jurgen Melzer, meanwhile, took just over an hour to dispose off South African qualifier Rik De Voest 6-0, 6-4 in the first second round match of the tournament played here on the Putra Stadium Centre Court today. The 30-year-old Melzer, who received a bye in the first round, was in fantastic form from the get go, serving his opponent a bagel first set with his consistent serve game, solid returns and strong baseline play. Thirty one-year-old De Voest put up a stronger challenge in the early stages of the second set, but failed to hit the form that saw him overcome American Ryan Sweeting yesterday, instead making a series of unforced errors and bad returns that helped fourth seed Melzer sweep into the quarterfinals. “I played pretty well today. I think the first set was one of the best I have played all year,” said the Austrian who hit his career high of No.8 in April this year. “Once you reach the top-ten, it’s different because you become the favourite to win every game. I just hope to keep on playing like this,” he added.
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Post by getta on Sept 28, 2011 16:20:49 GMT -5
from Marcos' official site:baghdatis.com/articles/view/marcos-marches-into-kuala-lumpur-quartersMarcos Marches Into Kuala Lumpur QuartersMarcos is through to the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011 following a hard fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over India’s Somdev Devvarman on Wednesday at the ATP World Tour 250 event. After losing his serve in the seventh game of the first set, Marcos fought back to draw level when Devvarman served for the set in the 10th game. He then won the final two games to clinch the opener. Marcos was under pressure early in the second set, but fought back from a 0/40 deficit in the first game before opening up a 3-1 lead. A double fault proved costly as he surrendered his serve in the fifth game, but claimed victory when he broke his Indian opponent again in the 10th game after one hour and 45 minutes. "I didn't play that great today," admitted Marcos. "I could have been a bit more aggressive on my return. I am happy though; I fought great and found a solution to win, which is the most important thing. I'll go on court tomorrow and work on some things that Miles saw so I can be a bit better for the next round."In his sixth quarter-final of the year, Marcos will face fourth seed Jurgen Melzer, a 6-0, 6-4 winner over Rik de Voest earlier in the day. It will be their second meeting this year; in January Marcos was forced to retire against the Austrian left-hander in the fourth set of their third-round clash at the Australian Open. Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest news. Go, Marcos!
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Post by getta on Sept 29, 2011 6:53:52 GMT -5
Friday OoP
CENTER COURT
Matches Start At: 2:15 pm Dmitry TURSUNOV (RUS) vs. Viktor TROICKI (SRB)
Not Before 4:30 PM Marcos BAGHDATIS (CYP) vs. Jurgen MELZER (AUT)
Not Before 6:30 PM [Janko TIPSAREVIC (SRB) or Flavio CIPOLLA (ITA)] vs. Nikolay DAVYDENKO (RUS)
Not Before 7:15 PM [Nicolas ALMAGRO (ESP) or Albert RAMOS (ESP)] vs. Kei NISHIKORI (JPN)
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Post by getta on Sept 30, 2011 5:11:13 GMT -5
Marcos defeated Jurgen Melzer 6-3 7-6(3). a fine performance from Marcos in a highly entertaining match.
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Post by christos on Sept 30, 2011 5:14:15 GMT -5
Well done, good news
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Post by getta on Sept 30, 2011 9:25:10 GMT -5
www.facebook.com/notes/malaysian-open-kuala-lumpur/baghdatis-upsets-melzer-to-make-first-malaysian-open-semifinal-appearance/176814312398813Baghdatis upsets Melzer to make first Malaysian Open semifinal appearanceby Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 4:27amA resurgent Marcos Baghdatis defeated Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in today’s quarterfinal match to move into the semifinals of the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011 for the first time. The 26-year-old Cypriot made it to the second round in 2009, and the quarterfinals last year, and went one step better this year as he showed some tremendous form to overcome his fourth seeded world No.21 opponent in just under 90 minutes. Both men started the match brightly, playing fast and coming into the net aggressively, but the opening break went to Baghdatis in the sixth game as he went on to wrap up the set. The 30-year-old Austrian had an opportunity to break Baghdatis and force a third set in the tie when he was up with a break point at 5-4 in the second, but Baghdatis hit an incredible three aces in the row to dash his hopes. Melzer subsequently lost his rhythm and any hope of a comeback when he made crucial errors in the tie-break. The Cypriot was in great serve form throughout the match, constantly breaking the 200kmh speed mark and amassing 13 aces during the match, with eight coming in the second set. “I played really solid today. Served really well and returned well when he was serving. Every match is getting better and I am feeling more confident in my legs,” said the former world No.8 (in 2006) who has experience rocky form in the last two years. Baghdatis will meet number two seeded Serbian Viktor Troicki in the semifinals, but refused to comment yet on his next game. “It was great win today and the last thing I want is to think about the match tomorrow just yet. I’ll talk to my coach later and look at the positives of this match,” he said.
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Post by getta on Sept 30, 2011 9:30:51 GMT -5
from Marcos' official site:baghdatis.com/articles/view/marcos-passes-melzer-testMarcos Passes Melzer TestPhoto: Ron C. AngleMarcos is through to his second ATP World Tour semi-final of the season after beating fourth seed Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 7-6(3) on Friday at the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011. After saving two break points in his opening service game, Marcos broke Melzer’s serve in the sixth game to clinch the first set. He was under pressure on serve twice in the second set, saving break point in the sixth game and a set point – with an ace – in the 10th game, to force the set into a tie-break. Marcos got the early lead in the tie-break and was always in control. He quickly established a 6-3 lead and converted his first match point after 88 minutes of play as Melzer fired a forehand wide. "I served very well today and was aggressive on the important points of the match," said Marcos. "My game is improving after every match and that's very positive.”For a place in his 11th tour-level final, Marcos will face second-seeded Serbian Viktor Troicki, who earlier defeated Dmitry Tursunov in straight sets. Marcos and Troicki have split their two previous meetings, with Marcos winning when they met in Sydney at the start of 2010, before Troicki avenged that defeat in the Moscow final later in the year. “Viktor is playing great, but I'll focus on what I have to do and go out there and find the solution to win,” said Marcos. The match will be played first on Centre Court on Saturday, beginning at 2:15pm local time (+8 hours GMT). Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest news and photos from Kuala Lumpur.
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Post by getta on Sept 30, 2011 9:43:35 GMT -5
Saturday OoP
CENTER COURT
Matches Start At: 2:15 pm Marcos BAGHDATIS (CYP) vs. Viktor TROICKI (SRB)
Not Before 4:15 PM Kei NISHIKORI (JPN) vs. Janko TIPSAREVIC (SRB)
followed by Jurgen MELZER (AUT)/Philipp PETZSCHNER (GER) vs. Frantisek CERMAK (CZE)/Filip POLASEK (SVK)
followed by Scott LIPSKY (USA)/Rajeev RAM (USA) vs. Eric BUTORAC (USA)/Jean-Julien ROJER (AHO)
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Post by getta on Oct 1, 2011 6:35:15 GMT -5
Marcos thrashed Troicki 6-3 6-1.
he must raise his game to beat Tipsarevic and end a barren run of 21 months without a title.
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Post by getta on Oct 1, 2011 6:56:38 GMT -5
www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2011/09/39/Kuala-Lumpur-Saturday-Baghdatis-Reaches-Final.aspxBaghdatis Charges Past Troicki, Faces Tipsarevic For Title Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by ATP Staff | 01.10.2011Former World No. 8 Marcos Baghdatis advanced to his 11th tour-level final on Saturday at the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011 as he snapped a five-match losing streak against Top 20 opponents with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over World No. 15 Viktor Troicki. Two service breaks were exchanged in the opening stages before the Cypriot broke decisively in the eighth game to clinch the first set. He then broke his Serbian opponent three times in the second set to race to victory in 84 minutes. The 26-year-old Baghdatis began the year at No. 20 in the South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings but has tumbled to No. 60 after a mixed season that has been highlighted by just one semi-final showing at the UNICEF Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (l. to Dodig). He is through to his first ATP World Tour final since finishing runner-up to Troicki at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow 11 months ago. "It feels great to be in another final," said Baghdatis. "There's still one match to go. Today was a strange first set from both of us, struggling with our serves. But I stayed calm and focused on what I had to and played the important points better in the first set. I'm happy with the way I fought, and to win without spending too much time on court."Currently 17th in the South African Airways 2011 ATP Year-To-Date Rankings, Troicki was looking to boost his outside chances of qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. The Serb dropped to a 36-21 match record on the season. In the final Baghdatis will hope to beat another Serbian player as he faces third seed Janko Tipsarevic. Tipsarevic defeated eighth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-4, 6-3, breaking serve three times from four opportunities and saving all six break points he faced. Baghdatis takes a 2-1 career lead into the final, but it was Tipsarevic who won their most recent contest in the 2010 Farmers Classic quarter-finals in Los Angeles. "Both Marcos and I are playing good tennis," said Tipsarevic. "I know I have to play like I did today or better to have a chance to win the final tomorrow. Marcos is an experienced player, he will not give me the final. I will have to take it from him and play aggressively. I'm here to win one more match, if not then it's still been a good week overall."The 27-year-old Tipsarevic is currently 13th in the Battle For London and will hope to boost his chances of qualifying for the season finale in November by winning his first ATP World Tour title. He is the highest-ranked player never to have won a title with four runner-up efforts to his name, including two this year at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (l. to del Potro) and the AEGON International in Eastbourne (l. to Seppi).
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Post by getta on Oct 1, 2011 10:05:09 GMT -5
from Marcos' official site:baghdatis.com/articles/view/marcos-trounces-troickiMarcos Trounces TroickiPhoto: Ron C. AngleMarcos is through to his first ATP World Tour final of the season after an impressive performance against Viktor Troicki saw him defeat the second-seeded Serb 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday at the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2011. In the final of the ATP World Tour 250 hard-court tournament, Marcos will face Janko Tipsarevic. He is through to the 11th final of his career, the first since he lost out in the Moscow title match 11 months ago, and is bidding to win his fifth trophy. Two service breaks were exchanged in the opening stages of the first set before Marcos took control, breaking Troicki for a third time to lead 5-3 as he forced an error by drawing his opponent into the net with a drop shot. He then closed out the first set as Troicki hit long. Marcos made a strong start to the second set, breaking to lead 2-1. He fended off two break point chances for Troicki in the following game before getting the security of a double break in the fifth game by driving a backhand passing shot up the line. He then claimed victory in 84 minutes by breaking Troicki for the third time in the set. "It feels great to be in another final," said Marcos. "There's still one match to go. Today was a strange first set from both of us, struggling with our serves. But I stayed calm and focused on what I had to and played the important points better in the first set. I'm happy with the way I fought, and to win without spending too much time on court."The final will take place on Sunday, beginning not before 4:30pm local time (+8hrs GMT). Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest news and photos. Go, Marcos!
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Post by getta on Oct 1, 2011 10:08:20 GMT -5
Sunday OoP
CENTER COURT
Matches Start At: 2:15 pm Frantisek CERMAK (CZE)/Filip POLASEK (SVK) vs. Eric BUTORAC (USA)/Jean-Julien ROJER (AHO)
Not Before 4:30 PM Janko TIPSAREVIC (SRB) vs. Marcos BAGHDATIS (CYP)
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Post by getta on Oct 2, 2011 4:41:18 GMT -5
Marcos dropped the first set 6-4
can he come back?
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Post by getta on Oct 2, 2011 4:54:22 GMT -5
tighten up Marcos was broken in the third game of the second set.
Janko is quite impressive and determined to win his first ATP title.
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