Sharapova to play Azarenka in Stanford final

Tennis Betting Lines

08/01/2010 - Stanford, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Fifth-seeded Maria Sharapova and eighth- seeded Victoria Azarenka both won their semifinal matches on Saturday to set up the final at the $700,000 Bank of the West Classic tennis event.

Russia's Sharapova bounced back from a first set loss to rally for a 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over third-seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska on the hardcourts at Taube Family Tennis Stadium.

Earlier on Saturday, Belarus' Azarenka celebrated her 21st birthday by upending top-seeded Australian Samantha Stosur in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, to reach the final.

Sharapova will be going for her 23rd career title and third of the year while Azarenka will be looking for her fourth championship and first of the year.

Sharapova has taken two of the three matches all-time between the two.

Sunday's winner will receive $107,000.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

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