Doha

I have been avidly watching the WTA Championships in Doha. I like the round robin system. I like that you can lose and still play the next day. It's interesting to see how players react to a loss. Usually they'd have a week or two to practice more and work on their weaknesses but in Doha they have to get up the next day and play another top 8 player. It's a good insight into their mindsets, I think. It's all about their mental toughness.

So far the results have been a little surprising. Two players are noticeably under par - Dementieva has an ankle injury and Jankovic is suffering from some kind of nasty bug. Tis sad because I like both of them and they've really been struggling. Janko is already out having lost two straight matches and Dem (?) has to beat Sam Stosur today if she's to play any further part in the competition. Stosur, however, is looking in scary form. She avenged her French Open final defeat against Scary Schiavone by beating her on the first day in two sets, then demolished a previously very impressive looking Wozza in straight sets. Another lady in impressive form is the rejuvenated Zvonareva who beat both Janko and Azarenka in straight sets.

I want Clijsters to win overall, as ever, but I'm hoping for a few good matches before that final. These end of year championships have such potential for some great battles but so often fall short of expectation. Hopefully this year that'll change.

So I am once again pleased with Arsenal. They've progressed into the last eight of the Carling Cup. Could this be the first trophy in five years? God, I hope so. They beat Newcastle 4-0, and even without the controversial second goal it was a resounding win.

I had all kinds of great Fed Facts for you but, as ever, my internet is playing up and won’t stay connected long enough for me to check them. It’ll have to wait until next time. They are pretty good though.

I’ll keep you blogged...