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06/17/2007 - Halle, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tomas Berdych notched a straight-set victory over Marcos Baghdatis to capture the Gerry Webber Open.
The fourth-seeded Berdych lost just two points on his first serve and posted a 7-5, 6-4 triumph for his first ATP singles crown of 2007. The Czech native was the runner-up last year at this Wimbledon tuneup, losing to grass-court king Roger Federer.
Federer pulled out of this tournament on Monday following his loss to Rafael Nadal in the French Open final, paving the way for a new champion.
Berdych took advantage and didn't lose a set this week on the way to his third career ATP title. He hadn't won a tournament since the Masters event in Paris in 2005.
The eighth-seeded Baghdatis, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday, was trying for his second title of the year. He beat Ivan Ljubicic for the crown in Zagreb in February and also lost a title match later that month to Gilles Simon in Marseille.
Berdych was dominant early Sunday, winning points on each of his first 14 first serves, but still needed to stave off two set points. He eventually held serve in that 10th game to even the first set at 5-5, then went on to win the next two games.
Baghdatis had his serve broken just once in the first set and again just once in the second, but it was enough because the Cypriot was unable to convert any of his three break-point chances in the match.
Berdych, who earned a first prize of $128,000, evened the lifetime series against Baghdatis at one apiece. Baghdatis had won the lone previous meeting between the two, capturing a round of 16 match at last year's Masters event in Indian Wells.
<< Webb, D-Backs attempt to deal Orioles an eighth straight loss
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The struggling Baltimore Orioles try to end a season-long
seven-game losing streak today, when they conclude a three-game interleague
set with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camden Yards.
On Saturday, Miguel Montero sing
<< White Sox ready for rubber match with Pirates
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago White Sox take aim at their first series win in
almost a month as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates today in the final
contest of a three-game interleague set at PNC Park.
On Saturday, Mark Buehrle hu
<< Struggling hurlers match up as Reds, Rangers wrap up set
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A pair of right-handers going through trying seasons will
face off when the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers conclude their three-game
interleague series today at Great American Ball Park.
Bronson Arroyo was an All-
<< Jays try to draw even with potential sweep of Nationals
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Toronto Blue Jays will attempt to reach the .500 mark
for the first time since early May as they aim for a three-game sweep of the
Washington Nationals today at Rogers Centre.
Toronto hasn't been even on the season
Morris tries to bail Giants' out of latest jam in Boston >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Faced with the possibility of a fourth consecutive loss,
the San Francisco Giants will once again turn to Matt Morris in this
afternoon's finale of a three-game interleague series with the Boston Red Sox
from Fe
Good young pitchers to duel in Royals-Marlins finale >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brian Bannister puts a three-start win streak on the line
when he takes the mound for the Kansas City Royals in today's rubber match of
a three-game interleague series with the Florida Marlins.
Bannister, who was acqu
Struggling Mariners aim to stay afloat in Houston >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Houston Astros haven't swept a three-game series at any
time this season. That could change, however, if the disappointing club
manages another victory today over the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park.
Housto
Brewers vie to bully Twins once again >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A refocused Milwaukee Brewers squad shoots for a fifth
consecutive victory and a three-game sweep of the host Minnesota Twins when
the teams play their final 2007 encounter this afternoon at the Metrodome.
The Bre
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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