Johansson leads in Russia, nearing first win in 10 years

Golf Betting Lines

08/04/2007 - Moscow, Russia (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Per-Ulrik Johansson shot a five-under 67 Saturday and will carry a four-shot lead into the final round at the Russian Open Golf Championship, looking for his first win in 10 years.

Johansson was at 18-under 198, and the tournament was back on schedule following two days of bad weather and suspensions.

Robert-Jan Derksen fired a seven-under 65 and was alone in second place at 14- under 202, four shots back of the leader.

Alan McLean had a 67 and stood third at 12-under 204, while Adam Gee (68) and Gary Murphy (70) were another stroke further back at 205.

They were all looking up at Johansson, who has been conjuring memories of past glory with his good play at Le Meridien Moscow Country Club.

The 40-year-old Swede had five wins on the European Tour in the 1990s, the last one coming 10 years ago to the month in August 1997.

He was also a two-time Ryder Cup player.

"I have a bit of a routine from the past with my successes, so hopefully that will pay off tomorrow," said Johansson.

On Saturday -- after the second round was completed in the morning -- Johansson posted an eagle and five birdies in a nearly-flawless third round.

The only blemish to his card came on a double-bogey at the 18th hole (his ninth) where he hit into the water.

"Except for that hole, I played pretty much the way I did yesterday," said Johansson, who had a stunning 62 in the second round. "I came back really well with a birdie on the first and an eagle on the second, so I made up for it."

Derksen emerged as the biggest threat to Johansson's feel-good story, collecting seven birdies in a spotless round to pull within four shots. The 33-year-old Dutchman is seeking his third European Tour win.

"I won in 2003 and then in 2005 and I said to myself I definitely have to win in 2007 to keep the run going," said Derksen. "All my friends were asking me which week it would be."

Could be this week, although not if Johansson keeps playing like it's still the nineties.

"I am very pleased with today but it is going to be a tough day tomorrow," said the Swede. "There are still a lot of guys there right behind me so I have to keep playing my game. I know it is a cliche, but it is the only way to go in this game."

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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