Murray Cruises Through In Miami

Andy Murray cruised through into the 4th round of the Sony Ericsson Open with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Chilean Nicolas Massu. The Brit overcame a sticky start surrendering all 3 of the opening games. However, Murray battled back to take the set 6-4 but looked far from his best. Massu, a former top ten, also found it hard to get to grips with the intense heat in Miami as both players struggled with their ground strokes. The Chilean handed Murray the advantage early in 2nd set by gifting Murray with a break of serve who went on to take the match.
Massu who had only won one match before Miami showed glimpses of his powerful forehand early on and Murray eventually got on the scoreboard after a successful hawk-eye challenge at 40-30. Massu playing a high risk game conceded a number of errors and let the Scot back in the set after a poor forehand by his standards. Massu was given numerous chances by Murray but his serve was erratic, letting him down on several occasions. Murray took the set in the 9th game 40-0 although not looking convincing.
The Briton broke early in the 1st then in 5th game and looked like he was coasting at 5-1 but the Chilean rallied back winning 3 games on the bounce. But, Murray came out on top easing passed Massu in the 9th game.

"He started very well, hitting the ball hard with his forehand and I was hitting it short," Murray explained.

"But after 3-0 in the first set I played very well until 5-1 (in the second) and then completely lost concentration, and ended up being in a battle at the end, which I didn't necessarily need.

"I was much happier with the way I hit the ball today compared to my first match, bar the first and last three games."

Murray now faces Viktor Troicki of Serbia in the 4th round.

Dragons World Cup Hopes All But Over

The game for Wales was a vital fixture for the Welsh in keeping their hopes alive for qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In the pre game press conference Captain Craig Bellamy described the qualifier as a 'make or break' game for their chances of qualification. Victory would keep them on tales of Russia but a loss would be a devastating blow to their credentials, with Russia and Finland with games in hand.
"We obviously get to a time in any group stage, like now, where this is make or break for us," said Bellamy.
"We are aware of the size of this game and and how important it is for us, and hopefully we can get a result.
"If we are going to put pressure on [leaders] Germany and Russia, we need to beat Finland."
Bellamy described the game as pivotal for both sides with Finland not certain of qualifying.

However, the Dragons hope of progression were slain by the Finish as the game ended a disappointing 2-0 to Finland. Goals from former Charlton midfielder Jonatan Johansson and Crystal Palace striker Shefki Kuqi on either side of both halves proved devastating to the drab Welsh side.
Wales began the game brightly through Craig Bellamy but failed to create any chance to note. Goals galore this game was not with the first half looking to end 0-0. 3 minutes till the whistle for half time and Johansson struck some what against the run of play, placing the ball passed the on rushing Wayne Hennessey. Former Liverpool star Jari Litmanen splitting the Welsh defence with an intelligent through ball to set up Johansson to give the visitors the lead. The 2nd half only got worse for Wales as the scoreline only stayed at 1-0 thanks to a couple of vital stops from Wayne Hennessey and Joe Ledley heading off the line. Litmanen provided a masterclass dictating the midfield and providing ample opportunities for Birmingham striker Mikel Forssell. Wales were increasingly slowing down in attack and constantly squandering possession in a poor game at the Millennium Stadium. The frustrated Welsh support could only look on as the Fins expertly ran down the clock. With 2 minutes to go Finland brought on Shefki Kuqi in replace of the lively Forssell. A penetrating ball from Litmanen once again fed Kuqi who beat the offside trap to run away and score the 2nd for the Fins. Wales are now left on 6 points from 5 games whilst Finland climb to 3rd with only their 2nd win of the campaign. A guttering sight for the Welsh contingent.