ANDY MURRAY'S woes continued with an early Madrid Masters exit as the world No.1's French Open build-up was left in tatters.
The Scot suffered a meek third-round surrender to Croatian teen Borna Coric in straight sets then admitted he doesn't know how to cut out the mistakes.
Murray is still third favourite at 6-1 with Betfred to land his first French Open crown next month but his slump will be scaring punters off in their droves, with king of clay Rafa Nadal looking likely to add his record nine Roland Garros titles.
The Spaniard is 11-8 favourite at Paddy Power and will step up his preparations with a Madrid quarter-final against David Goffin today.
Novak Djokovic is trying to get back his best and is 5-11 at Marathonbet to win his last-eight clash against Kei Nishikori (25-15, Marathonbet).
The day's other sporting highlights include rugby, NBA play-offs and cricket so post your tips and thoughts here.
Challenge Cup Final
Gloucester v Stade Francais
Murrayfield 8.00pm KO
Like @gunner I fancy the Cherry and Whites to edge out their opponents tonight.
First of all, although this is a neutral venue, it has to favour Gloucester. Although its a bit of a jaunt up to Edinburgh, it won’t feel like travelking to a different country.
Secondly, Gloucester have been in decent form recently, leading Exeter at half time in their last match and beating La Rochelle away from home in the last round of the cup. Stade beat Bath at home in the last round but Bath have had a very poor end to the season.
Thirdly, some stats. Glos have won 10/11 of their last games un the Challenge Cup against Top 14 opposition.
Glos have been in two ther finals, winning both in 2006 and 2015.
Stade have been in five finals and have won none!
5/7 Anglo/French finals have been won by Aviva Prem teams.
Glos have the two highest assist players in the competition and the player with the most tackles. They’ve also recorded the leaast turn overs.
So, all in all I think Gloucester at the price that they are, are worth a punt.
Gloucester ML
2.37 @ bet365
GL if you follow
Great write-up mate. Looks a good shout. Awesome weekend of sports ahead. Good luck and enjoy
Thanks dude, well done on the overs. Was on total points.
3 from 3 from this mornings picks (Albeit at smaller stakes). Gives me a nice buffer heading into a massive wkend of Rugga and UFC. Cheetahs involved in yet another high scoring game & are proving to be a goldmine (82, 89 and 69 points in their last 3 games). Great attacking side but can’t defend to save their lives. Waiting on a few markets and will be on my usual Yellow card in tomorrows Champion’s Cup final once the line is out. For now I’m taking Gloucester +8.5 and Saracens to lift the Trophy at just under evens (bet365). Also on the Kings +19.5 and Rebels +10.5 at 10/11. Really fancy the Highlanders & Jaguares to get huge wins too but waiting on team totals. Game of the weekend is the Saders vs Canes-too close to call so steering clear of it but should be a cracker! In the UFC the Cejudo fight has been cancelled so doubling up Joanna to win with the Miocic fight not to go the distance at evens. Back with a couple more later.
Like the look of that Glos-Saracens double. Solid!
Gloucester just sneaked by the handicap margin to keep the double alive. Good fightback from 10-0 down from Stade it must be said. Also on a Treble of a Yellow card in the Sarries game, Hurricanes +12.5 and Jaguares ML at evens. Said I’d stay away from the Canes game but they should cover that and I expect the Jags to win easily. Also on the Highlanders over 28.5 points at 5/6.
*Posted Yesterday*
MLB Bet For Tonight
Treble @ 4/1 (£10) LOST
Orioles +2.5 postponed/void
Astros ML ✓ win 3-2
Giants/Reds Over 8.5 Runs ✗ only 5 runs
MLB
May Bets 8 Win 1 -£30
MLB Bet For Tonight
Treble @ 5.72/1 (£10)
White Sox ML
Cubs ML
Diamondbacks ML