I think Sonay's odds are fine personally. In Aug 2020 when they first played (UKPL), the odds were an ave of 1.83 vs 1.83, since then, Sonay has won an incredible 52 of her last 57 matches at all levels, and 2 of those 5 defeats (Millie and Stresnakova) were just placement matches with them both already qualified from the group, and Sonay went on to take the title both weeks - she's really hard to beat.
The odds were pretty much exactly the same (as they are today) when they met in November. Beth has obviously added a W25 title since (and Sonay a W15) so her stock is higher, but then she did drop sets against Andre and Helgi, and lose to Freya last week, whereas Sonay just dropped one game vs Freya yesterday (as she in November as well), so those would have probably been taken into account.
It'll be very interesting to see how it goes, arguably our two biggest hopes this week pre tournament, and Beth may well win, but I think it's right for Sonay to be considered a slight favourite given her results, and the manner she usually wins in.
I didn't see it all, but a really lengthy, close, and entertaining first set which Mimi won on a TB, saving a set point (on return) a little earlier in the set. A lot of fine margins on both sides. I love the energy she brings.
Eliz dropped the first set, was 3-0 up in the second, but back at 4-4 now.
Mimi lost 7-6 1-6 0-6, losing the final 10 games. I went to make some lunch at 1-2, just as she had broken back, and she had a game point to get back level, but quite surprised the way it went from that point after such a competitive first set. Lots of close games where she had GPs or BPs, but 4 matches in 4 days, especially against players up to and more than 10 years older is tough going.
Eliz lost 4-6 in the third, I caught the back end, lots of rallies as you'd expect from Eliz, but probably mainly weight of shot the main difference at the end. That's 2 lengthy battles the 3rd seed has come through against our players, recovering from 3-5 final set against LJB, and 3-4 today (although just on serve).
Joanna has taken Bolkvadze into a decider after winning the 2nd set TB - plenty of British / UK links in that one (both sides), and also because the winner of that one is who our guaranteed QFist (Sonay vs Beth) will play tomorrow.
Edit - ahh, just saw Peter's post and only saw Eliz 4-3* up, and not 4-1*, fair play to the Finnish girl I guess, winning the final 4 games yesterday, and now the final 5 games today from precarious positions.
-- Edited by Ace Ventura on Thursday 27th of January 2022 01:35:36 PM