Tennis Brit Watch Week 21

ATP

Singles

Roland Garros Qualifying - Dan Evans (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Gastao Elias 3-6 1-6)
                                        - James Ward (QUALIFIED)
                                        - Dan Cox (Lost 2nd Qualifying Round - Paolo Lorenzi 3-6 6-7)

Dusseldorf - Oliver Golding (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Jason Kubler 3-6 0-6)
                 - Alex Ward (Lost 2nd Qualifying Round - Mate Delic 5-7 4-6)

Pombal Futures - Joshua Milton (Lost 1st Round - Nuno Deus 3-6 6-3 9-11)

Vic Futures - James Marsalek (Lost 1st Round - Carlos Taberner 1-6 2-6)

Antalya Futures - Jathan Malik (Lost 1st Round - Jared Donaldson 3-6 4-6)
                         - Alex Jhun (Lost 1st Round - Bastian Trinker 1-6 2-6)
                         - David Rice (Lost 2nd Round - Adrian Bodmer 2-6 4-6)

Bucharest Futures - Jack Carpenter (Lost 1st Round - Carlos Gomez-Herrera 4-6 0-6)
                            - Matthew Short (Lost Quarter-Final - Andre Cociasu 6-3 3-6 5-7)
                            - Tom Allen (Lost 1st Round - Joao Pedro Sorgi 0-6 1-6)

Sousse Futures - Imran Aswat (Lost 2nd Round - Remi Boutillier 3-6 4-6)

Bol Futures - Toby Martin (Lost 1st Round - Marin Bradaric 4-6 2-6)
                  - Jonny O'Mara (Lost 2nd Round - Duje Kekez 3-6 5-7)

Doubles

Dusseldorf - Dominic Inglot (partnering Treat Huey) (Lost 1st Round - Granollers/Riba 3-6 6-4 10-7)
                 - Colin Fleming/Ross Hutchins (Lost 1st Round - Draganja/Kontinen 6-3 6-7 5-10)
                 - Jamie Murray (partnering John Peers (Lost Semi-Final - Gonzalez/Lipsky 4-6 5-7)

Nice - Ken/Neal Skupski (Lost Semi-Final - Klizan/Oswald 6-3 3-6 2-10)

Bol Futures - Toby Martin/Jonny O'Mara (Lost 1st Round - Barrere/Chazal 6-7 7-6 10-12)

Pombal Futures - James Milton (partnering Fabrice Martin) (Cancelled)

Bucharest Futures - Tom Allen/Jack Carpenter (Lost 1st Round - Lazov/Sorgi 4-6 6-3 6-10)
                            - Matthew Short (partnering Theodoros Angelinos) (Lost Semi-Final - Frunza/Luncanu 2-6 1-6)
                            - Nikki Roenn (partnering Carlos Gomez-Herrera) (Lost 1st Round - Antonescu/Gheorghe 2-6 4-6)

Koper Futures - Darren Walsh (partnering Adham El-Effendi) (CHAMPIONS)

Vic Futures - James Marsalek (partnering Yannik Reuter) (Lost 1st Round - Moritani/Saito 6-4 2-6 6-10)

Sousse Futures - Imran Aswat/David Porter (Lost 1st Round - Joe Cooper/Brinkman 6-4 3-6 7-10)
                       - Joe Cooper (partnering Nils Brinkman) (Lost Semi-Final - Echargui/Hamza 6-2 6-4)

Antalya Futures - David Rice/Sean Thornley (Lost Quarter-Final - Malik/Cooprider 5-7 7-6 10-7)
                        - Jathan Malik (partnering Chris Cooprider) (Lost Semi-Final - Dubinski/Kruk 0-6 2-6)
                        - Miles Bugby (partnering Scott Browne) (Lost 1st Round - Dubinski/Kruk 1-6 2-6)

WTA

Singles

Roland Garros Qualifying - Heather Watson (QUALIFIED)
                                       - Johanna Konta (Lost 3rd Qualifying Round - Beygelzimer 7-6 5-7 0-6)

Karuizawa 25k - Samantha Murray (Lost 2nd Round - Chiaki Okadaue 1-6 6-3 3-6)
                      - Tara Moore (Lost Semi-Final - Su Jeong Jang 6-7 3-6)
                      - Emily Webley-Smith (Lost 2nd Round - Riko Sawayanagi 1-6 2-6)

Sharm el Sheikh 10k - Lucy Brown (Lost 1st Round - Yurko Mirazaki 6-3 1-6 4-6)
                               - Danielle Konotoptseva (Lost 2nd Round - Ola Abou Zekry 2-6 1-6)
                               - Jessica Simpson (Lost 2nd Round - Yurko Miyazaki 2-6 3-6)
                               - Antonia Smallbone (Lost 1st Round - Diana Bogoliy 0-6 1-6)

Ramle 10k - Manisha Foster (Lost Quarter-Final - Barbora Stefkova 3-6 2-6)

Sousse 10k - Harriet Dart (Lost Quarter-Final - Lou Brouleau 7-6 2-6 5-7)
                  - Jazzamay Drew (Lost 2nd Round - Lou Brouleau 2-6 1-6)

Antalya 10k - Natasha Hillyer (Lost 1st Round - Alona Fomina walkover)

Doubles

Karuizawa 10k - Samantha Murray (partnering Arina Rodionova) (Lost Quarter-Final - Ayukawa/Tanaka 5-7 0-6)
                      - Emily Webley-Smith (partnering Tammi Patterson) (Lost Quarter-Final - Okadaue/Hisami 3-6 2-6)
                      - Tara Moore (partnering Ysaline Bonaventure) (Lost 1st Round - Kuwata/Miyamura 1-6 6-3 6-10)

Sharm el Sheikh 10k - Danielle Konotoptseva (partnering Violetta Degtiareva) (Lost Semi-Final - Chilumulra/Bogoliy 4-6 6-4 4-10)
                              - Antonia Smallbone (partnering Tamara Bojanic) (Lost 1st Round - Degtiareva/Konotoptseva 3-6 1-6)
                              - Lucy Brown/Jessica Simpson (Lost Quarter-Final - Konotoptseva/Degtiareva - walkover)

Ramle 10k - Manisha Foster (partnering Mariam Bolkvadze) (Lost Semi-Final - Stefkova/Lazareva 4-6 6-7)
             
Sousse 10k - Jazzamay Drew (partnering Mafalda Fernandes) (Lost 1st Round - Bechri/Elmi 2-6 1-6)

Sumter 10k - Katherine White (partnering Jacqueline Pelletier) (Lost 1st Round - Ianchuk/Safronenka 3-6 1-6)

Saturday May 24
Tara Moore lost to Su Jeong Jang 6-7 3-6 (Semi-Final - Karuizawa)
Heather Watson beat Kontaveit 6-1 6-1 (3rd Qualifying Round - French Open)
Joe Cooper/Nils Brinkman lost to Echargui/Hamza 2-6 4-6 (Semi-Final - Sousse)

Friday May 23
Tara Moore beat Monique Adamczak 3-3 retirement (Quarter-Final - Karuizawa)
Samantha Murray/Arina Rodionova lost to Ayukawa/Tanaka 5-7 0-6 (Quarter-Final - Karuizawa)
Tara Moore/Ysaline Bonaventure lost to Kuwata/Miyamura 1-6 6-3 6-10 (Lost 1st Round - Karuizawa)
Dan Cox lost to Paolo Lorenzi 3-6 6-7 (Lost 2nd Qualifing Round - Roland Garros)
Joshua Milton lost to Nuno Deus 3-6 6-3 9-11 (Lost 1st Round - Pombal)
Matt Short lost to Andre Cociasu 6-3 3-6 5-7 (Quarter-Final - Bucharest)
Ken/Neal Skupski lost to Klizan/Oswald 6-3 3-6 2-10 (Semi-Final - Nice)
Jathan Malik/Chris Cooprider lost to Dubinski/Kruk 0-6 2-6 (Semi-Final - Antalya)
James Ward beat Blaz Rola 4-6 6-4 11-9 (3rd Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Jamie Murray/John Peers lost to Gonzalez/Lipsku 4-6 5-7 (Semi-Final - Dusseldorf)
Heather Watson beat Kozlova 4-6 6-2 7-5 (2nd Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Harriet Dart lost to Lou Brouleau 7-6 2-7 5-7 (Quarter-Final - Sousse)
Darren Walsh/Adham El-Effendi beat Elliot/Bader 7-6 6-3 (Final - Koper)
Johanna Konta lost to Beygelzimer 7-6 5-7 0-6 (3rd Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Danielle Konotoptseva/Violetta Degtiareva lost to Chilumula/Bogoliy 4-6 6-4 4-10 (Semi-Final -  Sharm el Sheikh)

Thursday May 22
Samantha Murray beat Hikari Yamamoto 7-6 6-2 (1st Round - Karuizawa)
Emily Webley-Smith lost to Riko Sawayanagi 1-6 2-6 (2nd Round - Karuizawa)
Tara Moore beat Kanae Hisami 6-7 7-6 6-3 (2nd Round - Karuizawa)
Samantha Murray lost to Chiaki Okadaue 1-6 6-3 3-6 (2nd Round - Karuizawa)
Manisha Foster lost to Barbora Stefkova 3-6 2-6 (Quarter-Final - Ramle)
Matt Short beat Costin Paval 6-4 6-1 (2nd Round - Bucharest)
Emily Webley-Smith/Tammi Patterson lost to Okadaue/Hisami 3-6 2-6 (Quarter-Final - Karuizawa)
James Ward beat Ryan Harrison 7-6 7-6 (2nd Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Manisha Foster/Mariam Bolkvadze lost to Stefkova/Lazareva 4-6 6-7 (Semi-Final - Ramle)
Imran Aswat lost to Boutillier 3-6 4-6 (2nd Round - Sousse)
David Rice lost to Adrian Bodmer 2-6 4-6 (2nd Round - Antalya)
Jonny O'Mara lost to Duje Kekez 3-6 5-7 (2nd Round - Bol)
Jazzamay Drew lost to Lou Brouleau 2-6 1-6 (2nd Round - Sousse)
Matt Short/Theodoros/Angelinos lost to Frunza/Luncanu 2-6 1-6 (Semi-Final - Bucharest)
Darren Walsh/Adham El-Effendi beat Volante/Giorgini 6-3 3-6 10-8 (Semi Final - Koper)
Harriet Dart beat Ines Murta 6-1 6-3 (2nd Round - Sousse)
Heather Watson beat Irini Falconi 6-2 6-4 (1st Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Jamie Murray/John Peers beat Carreno Busta/Sousa 6-2 6-3 (Quarter-Final - Dusseldorf)
Danielle Konotoptseva/Violetta Degtiareva beat Lucy Brown/Jess Simpson (Quarter-Final - Walkover)
Joe Cooper/Nils Brinkman beat Garzelli/Bega 7-5 6-3 (Quarter-Final - Sousse)
Jathan Malik/Chris Cooprider beat Sean Thornley/David Rice (Quarter-Final - Antalya)
Jessica Simpson lost to Yurko Miyazaki 2-6 3-6 (2nd Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Danielle Konotoptseva lost to Ola Abou Zekry 2-6 1-6 (2nd Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Johanna Konta beat Kania 6-4 2-6 6-3 (2nd Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)

Wednesday May 21
Natasha Hillyer withdrew against Alona Fomina (1st Round - Antalya)
Jathan Malik lost to Jared Donaldson 3-6 4-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Manisha Foster beat May Kimhi 5-7 6-0 6-0 (2nd Round - Ramle)
Tom Allen lost to Joao Pedro Sorgi 0-6 1-6 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Toby Martin lost to Marin Bradaric 4-6 2-6 (1st Round - Bol)
Jonny O'Mara beat Giorgio Portaluri 3-6 6-4 6-0 (1st Round - Bol)
Alex Jhun lost to Bastian Trinker 1-6 2-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Manisha Foster/Mariam Bolkavadze beat Zandberg/Sterenbach 6-4 6-2 (Quarter-Final - Ramle)
David Rice beat Alex Blumenberg 6-0 6-4 (1st Round - Antalya)
Matt Short beat Mircea-Alexandru Jecan 7-6 6-3 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Darren Walsh/Adham El-Effendi beat Repina/Jurman 3-6 7-6 10-8 (Quarter-Final - Koper)
Jathan Malik/Chris Cooprider beat Tverijonas/Tverijonas 7-6 6-1 (1st Round - Antalya)
Matt Short/Theodoros Angelinos beat Antonescu/Gheorghe 6-1 6-4 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Jazzamay Drew/Mafalda Fernandes lost to Bechri/Elmi 2-6 1-6 (1st Round - Sousse)
Lucy Brown lost to Yuriko Miyazaki 6-3 1-6 4-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Ken/Neal Skupski beat Berlocq/Mayer 6-1 7-6 (Quarter-Final - Nice)
Antonia Smallbone lost to Diana Bogoliy 0-6 1-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Danielle Konotoptseva beat Iva Ivkovic 4-6 6-3 6-1 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Jessica Simpson beat Tamara Bojanic 6-4 7-5 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Johanna Konta beat Sachia Vickery 6-2 6-3 (1st Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)

Tuesday May 20
Tara Moore beat Yurina Koshina 6-2 6-4 (1st Round - Karuizawa)
Samantha Murray/Arina Rodionova beat Ozeki/Nunome 7-5 6-2 (1st Round - Karuizawa)
Emily Webley-Smith/Tammi Patterson beat Sugimoto/Morisaki 6-2 6-2 (1st Round - Karuizawa)
Jack Carpenter lost to Carlos Gomez-Herrera 4-6 0-6 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Sean Thornley/David Rice beat Kuzmanov/Rodriguez 6-2 6-2 (1st Round - Antalya)
Dominic Inglot/Treat Huey lost to Granollers/Riba 3-6 6-4 7-10 (1st Round - Dusseldorf)
Imran Aswat beat Eduardo Burgui 6-0 6-0 (1st Round - Sousse)
Ken/Neal Skupski beat Rojer/Tecau 7-5 5-7 10-6 (1st Round - Nice)
Matt Short/Theodoros Angelinos beat Patrui/Sturdza by withdrawal (1st Round - Bucharest)
Jack Carpenter/Tom Allen lost to Sorgi/Lazov 4-6 6-3 6-10 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Nikki Roenn/Carlos Gomez-Herrera lost to Antonescu/Gheorghe 2-6 4-6 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Dan Evans lost to Gastao Elias 3-6 1-6 (1st Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
James Ward beat Radu Albot 6-3 7-5 (1st Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Dan Cox beat Amir Weintraub 6-2 6-1 (1st Qualifying Round - Roland Garros)
Miles Bugby/Scott Browne lost to Dubinski/Kruk 1-6 2-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Manisha Foster beat Anna Bogoslavets 6-3 6-1 (1st Round - Ramle)
James Marsalek lost to Carlos Taberner 1-6 2-6 (1st Round - Vic)
Harriet Dart beat Alexandra Riley 6-2 6-1 (1st Round - Sousse)
Jonny O'Mara/Toby Martin lost to Barrere/Chazal 6-7 7-6 10-12 (1st Round - Bol)
Jazzamay Drew beat Yulia Shupenia 6-3 7-5 (1st Round - Sousse)
Joe Cooper/Nils Brinkman beat Imran Aswat/David Porter 4-6 6-3 10-7 (1st Round - Sousse)
Danielle Konotoptseva/Violetta Degtiareva beat Antonia Smallbone/Bojanic 6-3 6-1 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Katherine White/Jaacqueline Pelletier lost to Safronenka/Ianchuk 3-6 1-6 (1st Round - Sumter)

Monday May 19
Tom Allen beat Alexander Cozbinov 6-1 6-2 (1st Round - Bucharest)
Manisha Foster/Mariam Bolkvadze beat Lodzki/Cohen 6-3 6-1 (1st Round - Ramle)
Colin Fleming/Ross Hutchins lost to Draganja/Kontinen 6-3 6-7 5-10 (1st Round - Dusseldorf)
Jamie Murray/John Peers beat Arfuello/Pena Lopez 4-6 6-2 10-5 (1st Round - Dusseldorf)
Darren Walsh/Adham El-Effendi beat David/Puric 6-2 6-2 (1st Round - Koper)
James Marsalek/Tannik Reuter lost to Saito/Moritani 6-4 2-6 6-10 (1st Round - Vic)

Saturday May 17
Alex Ward beat Evgeny Korolev 7-5 4-6 6-4 (1st Qualifying Round - Dusseldorf)
Oliver Golding lost to Jason Kubler 3-6 0-6 (1st Qualifying Round - Dusseldorf)
Alex Ward lost to Mate Delic 5-7 4-6 (2nd Qualifying Round - Dusseldorf)

Sports Ladder (13th - 19th May)

UP - Arsenal - It was hard to avoid the disappointment on twitter. No more 'no trophies in nine years' jokes as Arsenal lifted the FA Cup this weekend. But whilst a significant portion of footballs more neutral fan base were disappointed, it was jubilation for Arsene's gunners, who recovered from an early slip-up to eventually beat Hull City 3-2 after extra-time. It was by no means a routine win but was certainly long over due. It's been over two days since Arsenal last won a trophy, how will their fans be coping?

UP - Rebecca Downie - It's become customary to see gymnastics success for Britain in recent years. Be it through the sterling efforts of Beth Tweddle or Louis Smith, medals have come in plenty and this week a new star arrived. Twenty-two year old Rebecca Downie this week claimed a gold medal in the uneven bars to go with her silver medal as part of the British team event. Downie is only the second after Tweddle to win a gold at a European Championships.

UP - Sir Bradley Wiggins - With the Tour de France rapidly approaching and Team Sky yet to announce who will be their leader the next few weeks will be extremely interesting. Sir Bradley Wiggins laid down his marker this week with a victory in the Tour of California. As well as becoming the first ever Brit to scoop up that particular title, Wiggins has also pushed for a place amongst the top of the Sky Team. Could be an almighty tussle between himself and Froome.

UP - Hannah Cockroft - From one speed demon to another as Hannah Cockroft climbs higher up the sporting ladder. The 21-year-old beat her own 200m T34 time with a new World Record of 30.86 to dip inside 31 seconds for the first time after taking 0.37 seconds off her last record. After success in Switzerland Hannah will now turn her attention towards August and this years European Championships as she seeks to win another gold medal. This weeks wheelie big cheese. I regret nothing.

UP - Ibrahim Hamato - If I said to you that it is possible to play a decent standard of table-tennis without any arms you would probably think I was bonkers. Ibrahim Hamato however has decided to smash this idea by playing with the paddle in his mouth! After an accident as a child resulting in a double arm amputation, Hamato has bounced back in quite incredible fashion. After years of training he can now hold a solid rally with some of the World's very best. Someone please give this man a medal!

DOWN - Plane Banners - This season has seen a lot of ups and downs in the Premier League but something which needs to go on holiday and never come back over the summer break is the introduction of plane banners. Manchester United fans are the prime culprits and this week, even after the season was over, decided to send one mocking Liverpool for losing the title. Realistically, I don't think after this season Manchester Untied fans are really in a position to mock anyone.

DOWN - Daniel Levy - I believe that Daniel Levy's ninth managerial sacking since taking charge should finally see blame directly firmly in his direction for Tottenham's shortcomings. There can be no doubt that he is a superb businessman but as Clive Allen said this week, Levy is "not a football man". This week saw Levy dismiss yet another manager in the form of Tim Sherwood and Tottenham's chairman will now be looking for another man who won't be in the job for more than two years. Change is needed.

DOWN - Stephen Lee - Sometimes the best thing is to just accept your punishment and move on. Stephen Lee didn't agree with this sentiment and this week his appeal against his twelve year professional snooker ban was turned down. This means Stephen will remain out of action until 2024 and his costs have also increased from £40,000 to £75,000 as a result of the failed appeal. Well the lesson we've all learnt from this is if you do happen to be a professional snooker player, just don't fix matches.

DOWN - Manchester City - It didn't last long did it. Just a few days after the blue half of Manchester claimed their second Premier League title it all went a bit wrong. Firstly, the Financial Fair Play committee confirmed that they will indeed suffer a $49 million fine for breaching rules as well as a reduction in the size of their Champions League squad next year. Then it emerged that they may struggle to reach their home grown player quota for next year. Louis Van Gaal must be licking his lips.

DOWN - Sepp Blatter - Qatar is in fact hot. That is the stunning revelation from Sepp Blatter this week as he finally admitted that hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is in fact a terrible idea. Surprising that. Although what is perhaps more surprising is that it has taken him this long to figure that out. What this means for the World Cup we are yet to find out, although it is very likely it will still go ahead. More importantly though, is the issue of Sepp Blatter. How can we get him to just go away?

Sports Ladder (6th - 12th May)

UP - Manchester City - Well I suppose through gritted teeth I should probably congratulate Manchester City on their second Premier League title. Okay, so clearly I didn't want them to win but they did, and in some style it has to be said. Pellegrini has turned out to be a marvelous appointment, playing fast, attractive football but perhaps more importantly settling down a chaotic dressing room from the start of the season. With investment likely over the summer they will obviously be back in the hunt again next year.

UP - Michael Sam - It shouldn't have to be a story but alas it is one, and due to the nature of it's importance one I shall cover. Michael Sam this week became the first openly homosexual player to be successfully drafted into the NFL (American Football for those of you that don't follow StarSpangledHammer). He was the 249th pick of this years draft and will join up with the St. Louis Rams for this season, also becoming the first homosexual player to play a game should he start.

UP - Martin Kaymer - Well after looking like a really dangerous player a few years ago, German golfer Martin Kaymer has somewhat faded into the rough. This week, however he came back into the limelight with his first PGA Tour victory in four years with a one shot victory in tough conditions at the Players Championship. Kaymer will now be pushing on to try and secure a Ryder Cup spot. Also rising up the ladder is sports photography. I mean what a photo!

UP - Rebekah Tiler - What were you doing when you were 15? Well, whatever it was I bet it wasn't the same as Miss Tiler. This week Rebecca Tiler became the youngest ever winner of a British weightlifting title with her victory in the 69kg class. In fact, Tiler managed to lift a whopping 205kg which is not only nearly three times my weight, but also enough to have won her both the 75kg and 75+kg categories at the British championships. Certainly beats my 10kg dumbbells.

UP - Laura Trott - There is nothing in sport we love more than an absolute fighter. Now we know Laura Trott is a sensational athlete but this week really showcased her grit and determination. Okay, so she finished the Tour of Britain in 55th, but after a huge fall on the third stage the Olympic star did well just to pull herself back onto the bike. Clearly in agony not only did she finish the stage but she then repeated the feat the next day to finish the race. Now that, is true British fighting spirit.

DOWN - Ronnie O'Sullivan - Ronnie O'Sullivan really did have a stinker of a weekend. Despite feeling in the form of his life, the master managed to squander a 10-5 lead to lose the World Championship to Mark Selby 18-14 in an enthralling final. However, Ronnie was then involved in a car accident whilst travelling home from his final loss on the M1. Luckily both himself and his son, who was also in the car were absolutely fine, but it will be a week to forget for the former champion.

DOWN - Liverpool - You don't win anything by squandering a three goal advantage in football. Liverpool found that out the brutal way this week as they tossed aside a three goal lead against Crystal Palace to draw 3-3 and throw away any chance they had of really applying pressure to Manchester City. Ultimately it wouldn't have mattered as City would have won on goal difference but that result epitomised Liverpool in recent weeks. Threw the bottle in right at the end.

DOWN - Atletico Madrid - Atletico have had a simply sublime season, there can be no doubting that. Front runners heading into the final day of the Liga BBVA title race and into a Champions League final for the first time since 1997, also setting up the first final between two sides from the same city ever. But, their's team performances were let down this week by racist actions from their fans. They were heard directing monkey chants at Papakouly Diop of Levante. Modern football should certainly have outgrown this behaviour by now and it's so disappointing to still see it in the higher echelons of the game. Kick racism out of football.

DOWN - Michael Jackson - It's amazing the influence a dead popstar can have on the sporting world isn't it? Well according to Mohammed Al Fayed, the old chairman of Fulham, the removal of the Michael Jackson statue outside of Craven Cottage was the main reason they got relegated. That seems like a pretty 'dangerous' suggestion considering how 'bad' Fulham were and how (smooth) criminal their defending was throughout most of the season. Don't worry, I'll beat it after those terrible puns.

DOWN - Andy Murray - Right after I cover another disappointing week for the British tennis number one. So who did he lose to this time? Well this time it was the turn of the Colombian Santiago Giraldo to take a major scalp as he convincingly beat the Brit in two sets in the Madrid third round. Murray is rapidly running out of time to find form ahead of, first the French Open and then his Wimbledon defence. He needs to get a coach in and sharpish because he seems to be lacking direction at present.

Tennis Brit Watch Week 20

ATP

Singles

Rome Masters - Andy Murray (Lost Quarter-Final - Rafael Nadal 6-1 3-6 5-7)

Busan Challenger - Dan Smethurst (Lost 2nd Round - Amir Weintraub 3-6 4-6)
                             - Edward Corrie (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Jason Jung 4-6 2-6)

Heilbronn Challenger - James Ward (Lost 2nd Round - Blaz Kavcic 1-6 6-3 5-7)
                                  - Kyle Edmund (Lost 2nd Round - Andrej Martin 3-6 3-6)
                                  - Alex Ward (Lost 2nd Qualifying Round - Egor Garasimov 2-6 6-7)

Termas de Monfortinho Futures - Josh Milton (Lost Quarter-Final - David Vega Hernandez 4-6 6-7)

Valdoreix Futures - James Marsalek (Lost 1st Round - Takashi Saito 3-6 6-4 1-6)

Antalya Futures - Jathan Malik  (Lost 2nd Round - Dimitar Kuzmanov 2-6 2-6)
                         - Alex Jhun (Lost 1st Round - Denis Yevseyev 5-7 3-6)
                         - Miles Bugby (Lost 2nd Round - Yusuke Watanuki 2-6 3-6)
                         - Bruce Strachan (Lost 1st Round - Yusuke Watanuki 1-6 2-6)

Galati Futures - Jack Carpenter (Lost Quarter-Final - Gianluigi Quinzi 1-6 6-7)
                       - Tom Allen (Lost 1st Round - Lucas Pouille 1-6 4-6)
                       - Nikki Roenn (Lost 3rd Qualifying Round - Sergiu Rogoveanu 2-6 3-6)

Sharm el Sheikh Futures - Robbie Ridout (Lost 1st Round - Luciano Betella 6-7 6-2 2-6)

Sousse Futures - Imran Aswat (Lost 2nd Round - Arkadiusz Kocyla 4-6 1-6)
                         - David Porter (Lost 2nd Round - Jules Marie 0-6 4-6)

Doubles

Rome Masters - Dominic Inglot (partnering Treat Huey) (Lost 2nd Round - Haase/Lopez 6-7 2-6)

Bordeaux Challenger - Ken/Neal Skupski (Lost 1st Round - Couacaud/Lokoli 6-7 6-3 5-10)

Busan Challenger - Edward Corrie/Daniel Smethurst (Lost 1st Round - Lee/Wang 6-7 2-6)
                            - Jamie Delgado (partnering John-Patrick Smith) (RUNNER-UP)

Bol Futures - Darren Walsh (partnering Adham El-Effendi) (Lost Semi-Final - Thompson/Barton 3-6 2-6)

Termas de Monfortinho Futures - Joshua Milton (partnering Ivan Arenas-Guualda) (Lost Semi-Final - Martin/Kerr 4-6 1-6)

Galati Futures - Tom Allen/Jack Carpenter (Lost Quarter-Final - Dubarenco/Ciumac 0-6 1-6)
                      - Nikki Roenn (partnering Ciprian Onufrei) (Lost 1st Round - Culiocovschi/Frosa 1-6 1-6)

Valldoreix Futures - James Marsalek (partnering Michael Bois) (Lost 1st Round - Altamirano/Fritz 1-6 4-6)

Sousse Futures - Joe Cooper (partnering Aydyn Akhmetshin) (Lost 1st Round -  Kellovsky/Snobel 1-6 3-6)
                        - Imran Aswat/David Porter (Lost Quarter-Final - Boutillier/Tchoutakian 4-6 0-6)

Antalya Futures - Scott William Lister/Bruce Strachan (Lost Quarter-Final - Kruk/Yevseyev 1-6 1-6)
                         - Alexander Jhun (partnering Yusuke Watanuki) (Lost 1st Round - Katayama/Ehara 2-6 4-6)
                         - Miles Bugby (partnering Lukas Weinhandl) (Lost 1st Round - Blumenberg/Dernandes 2-6 1-6)

WTA

Singles

Prague 100k - Heather Watson (CHAMPION)

Saint-Gaudens 50k - Johanna Konta (Lost Semi-Final - Pauline Parmentier 4-6 7-5 5-7)

Kurume 50k - Naomi Broady (Lost 2nd Round - Qiang Wang 4-6 2-6)
                    - Samantha Murray (Lost 2nd Round - Mari Tanaka 2-6 1-6)
                    - Tara Moore (Lost 2nd Round - Jarmila Gajdosova 4-6 3-6)
                    - Emily Webley-Smith (Lost 2nd Qualifying Round - Tamarine Tanasurgarn 2-6 0-6)
                    - Anna Smith (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Tori Kinard 3-6 5-7)

Sharm el Sheikh 10k - Lucy Brown (Lost 1st Round - Ekaterina Tsiklauri 6-1 5-7 4-6)
                                - Danielle Konotoptseva (Lost 1st Round - Violetta Degtiareva 2-6 5-7)
                                - Jessica Simpson (Lost 1st Round - Diana Bogoliy 3-6 6-1 1-6)
                                - Aimee Gibson (Lost 1st Round - Teodora Radosavljevic 4-6 4-6)
                                - Antonia Smallbone (Lost 1st Round - Yekaterina Gubanova 3-6 1-6)
                                - Francesca Stephenson (Lost 2nd Round - Lisa Sabino 1-6 0-6)

Bol 10k - Laura Deigman (Lost 2nd Round - Bernarda Pera 1-6 2-6)

Sousse 10k - Harriet Dart (Lost Quarter-Final - Chantal Skamlova 2-6 2-6)
               - Jazzamay Drew (Lost 1st Round - Margot Decker 5-7 0-6)

Doubles

Prague 100k - Heather Watson (partnering Mariana Duque-Marino) (Lost 1st Round - Hradecka/Krajicek 2-6 6-3 6-10)

Saint-Gaudens 50k - Nicola Slater (partnering Karolina Wlodarczak) (Lost Semi-Final - Royg/Irigoyen 2-6 3-6)
                             - Johanna Konta (partnering Sharon Fichman) (RUNNERS-UP)

Kurume 50k - Samantha Murray (partnering Ankita Raina) (Lost Quarter-Final - Rodionova/Gajdosova 4-6 3-6)
                   - Tara Moore (partnering Tammi Patterson) (Lost 1st Round - Kuwata/Inoue 1-6 7-5 7-10)
                   - Emily Webley Smith (partnering Ana Veselinovic) (Lost 1st Round - Rae/Smith 6-4 1-6 9-11)
                   - Jocelyn Rae/Anna Smith (Lost Quarter-Final - Yonemura/Namigata 6-3 6-7 6-10)

Bol 10k - Laura Deigman (partnering Britt Geukens) (Lost 1st Round - Szlavikovics/Andrei 6-3 3-6 7-10)

Sharm el Sheikh 10k - Lucy Brown (partnering Polina Leykina) (RUNNERS-UP)
                                - Antonia Smallbone (partnering Yui Saikai) (Lost 1st Round - Mun/Tcakanian 1-6 3-6)
                                - Aimee Gibson (partnering Sri Vaishnavi Peddi Reddy) (Lost 1st Round - Grinchishina/Bogoliy 4-6 3-6)

Monzon 10k - Imogen Magner (partnering Lidia Moreno Arias) (Lost Quarter-Final - Perez-Somarriba/Pou 5-7 0-6)

Sousse 10k - Harriet Dart/Jazzamay Drew (Lost Quarter-Final Zabirova/Fernandes 6-2 2-6 4-10)

Sunday May 18
Jamie Delgado/John-Patrick Smith lost to Ratiwatana/Ratiwatana 4-6 4-6 (Final - Busan)
Heather Watson beat Timea Babos 7-6 6-3 (Semi-Final - Prague)
Heather Watson beat Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova 7-6 6-0 (Final - Prague)

Saturday May 17
Johanna Konta lost to Pauline Parmentier 4-6 7-5 5-7 (Semi-Final - Saint-Gaudens)
Lucy Brown/Polina Leykina lost to Stojanovic/Sabino 3-6 6-4 3-10 (Final - Sharm el Sheikh)

Friday May 16
Jack Carpenter beat Andrei Patrui 3-6 6-2 6-1 (2nd Round - Galati)
Johanna Konta beat Marta Sirotkina 2-6 6-2 6-1 (Quarter-Final - Saint-Gaudens)
Jamie Delgado/John Patrick-Smith beat Gong/Peng 6-2 3-6 10-6 (Semi-Final - Busan)
Heather Watson beat Karolina Pliskova 6-2 6-4 (Quarter-Final - Prague)
Joshua Milton lost to David Vega Hernandez 4-6 6-7 4-6 6-7 (Quarter-Final - Termas de Monfortinho)
Jack Carpenter lost to Gianluigi Quinizi 1-6 6-7 (Quarter-Final - Galati)
Harriet Dart lost to Chantal Skamlova 2-6 2-6 (Quarter-Final - Sousse)
Johanna Konta/Sharon Fichman beat Seguel/Bua 6-4 6-4 (Semi-Final - Saint Gaudens)
Jack Carpenter/Tom Allen lost to Dubarenco/Ciumac 0-6 1-6 (Quarter-Final - Galati)
Joshua Milton/Ivan Arenas-Gualda lost to Martin/Kerr 4-6 1-6 (Semi-Final - Termas de Monfortinho)
Lucy Brown/Polina Leykina beat Hamza/Zekry 6-3 6-1 (Semi-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Johanna Konta/Sharon Fichman lost to Royg/Irigoyen 5-7 3-6 (Final - Saint-Gaudens)
Andy Murray lost to Rafael Nadal 6-1 3-6 5-7 (Quarter-Final - Rome)

Thursday May 15
Tara Moore lost to Jarmila Gajdosova 4-6 3-6 (2nd Round - Kurume)
Samantha Murray lost to Mari Tanakaa 2-6 1-6 (2nd Round - Kurume)
Naomi Broady lost to Qiang Wang 4-6 2-6 (2nd Round - Kurume)
Samantha Murray/Ankita Raina lost to Rodionova/Gajdosova 4-6 3-6 (Quarter-Final - Kurume)
Dan Smethurst lost to Amir Weintraub 3-6 4-6 (2nd Round - Busan)
Anna Smith/Jocelyn Rae lost to Yonemura/Namigata 6-3 6-7 6-10 (Quarter-Final - Kurume)
Jamie Delgado/John Patrick Smith beat Lee/Wang 6-3 2-6 10-7 (Quarter-Final - Busan)
David Porter lost to Jules Marie 0-6 4-6 (2nd Round - Sousse)
Heather Watson beat Petra Uberalova 6-1 6-4 (2nd Round - Prague)
Laura Deigman lost to Bernarda Pera 1-6 2-6 (2nd Round - Bol)
Miles Bugby lost to Yusuke Watanuki 2-6 3-6 (2nd Round - Antalya)
Imran Aswat lost to Arkadiusz Kocyla 4-6 1-6 (2nd Round - Sousse)
Bruce Strachan/Scott William Lister lost to Kruk/Yevseyev 1-6 1-6 (Quarter-Final - Antalya)
Dominic Inglot/Treat Huey lost to Haase/Lopez 6-7 2-6 (2nd Round - Rome)
Nicola Slater/Karolina Wlodarczak lost to Royg/Irigoyen 2-6 3-6 (Semi-Final - Saint-Gaudens)
Jack Carpenter beat Andre Cociasu 7-5 6-3 (1st Round - Galati)
Harriet Dart beat Bojana Marinkovic 6-1 6-2 (2nd Round - Sousse)
Andy Murray beat Jurgen Melzer 7-6 6-4 (3rd Round - Rome)
Johanna Konta/Sharon Fichman beat Pluskota/Kiick 6-2 6-4 (Quarter-Final - Saint-Gaudens)
Darren Walsh/Adham El-Effendi lost to Thompson/Barton 3-6 2-6 (Semi-Final - Bol)
Imran Aswat/David Porter lost to Boutillier/Tchoitakian 4-6 0-6 (Quarter-Final - Sousse)
Jazzamay Drew/Harriet Dart lost to Zabirova/Fernandes 6-2 2-6 4-10 (Quarter-Final - Sousse)
Francesca Stephenson lost to Lisa Sabino 1-6 0-6 (Second Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Joshua Milton beat Jorge Hernando Ruano 6-4 5-7 6-4 (2nd Round - Termas de Monfortinho)
Joshua Milton/Ivan Arenas-Gualda beat  Ortega-Omedo/Burrieza 6-3 6-4 (Quarter-Final - Termas de Monfortinho
Lucy Brown/Polina Leykina beat Mun/Tcakanian 6-4 7-5 (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)

Wednesday May 14
Naomi Broady beat Tamarine Tanasurgarn 6-0 6-1 (1st Round - Kurume)
Tara Moore/Tammi Patterson lost to Kuwata/Inoue 1-6 7-5 7-10 (1st Round - Kurume)
David Porter beat Yan Sabanin 6-3 6-0 (1st Round - Sousse)
Jamie Delgado/John-Patrick Smith beat Propoggia/Reid 6-3 6-2 (1st Round - Busan)
Joshua Milton beat Mario Paccini Sancho 6-2 6-0 (1st Round - Termas De Monfortinho)
Jathan Malik beat Tinotenda Chanakira 6-0 6-3 (1st Round - Antalya)
James Ward lost to Blaz Kavcic 1-6 6-3 5-7 (2nd Round - Heilbronn)
Alex Jhun lost to Denis Yevseyev 5-7 3-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Andy Murray beat Marcel Granollers 6-2 7-5 (2nd  Round - Rome)
Jazzamay Drew lost to Margot Decker 5-7 0-6 (1st Round - Sousse)
Johanna Konta beat Myrtille Georges 6-3 6-4 (2nd Round - Saint-Gaudens)
Miles Bugby/Lukas Weinhandl lost to Blumenberg/Fernandez 2-6 1-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Nikki Slater/Karolina Wlodarczak beat Vasylyeva/Shapatava 6-3 6-2 (Quarter-Final - Saint-Gaudens)
Heather Watson beat Klara Koukalova 6-2 6-4 (1st Round - Prague)
Alex Jhun/Yusuke Watanuki lost to Katayama/Ehara 2-6 4-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Kyle Edmund lost to Andrej Martin 3-6 3-6 (2nd Round - Heilbronn)
Johanna Konta/Sharon Fichman beat Hesse/Foretz 6-4 3-6 11-9 (1st Round - Saint-Gaudens)
Imran Aswat/David Porter beat bouchareb/Burgui 6-2 6-3 (1st Round - Sousse)
Darren Walsh/Adham El-Effendi beat Santillan/Banes 6-2 6-7 11-9 (Quarter-Final - Bol)
Lucy Brown lost to Ekaterina Tsiklaura 6-1 5-7 4-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Francesca Stephenson beat Teodora Radosavljevic 6-7 6-4 6-3 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)

Tuesday May 13
Samantha Murray beat Yumi Nakano 6-2 6-2 (1st Round - Kurume)
Dan Smethurst beat Karol Beck 6-2 6-0 (1st Round - Busan)
Tara Moore beat Justyna Jegiolka 6-3 4-6 7-5 (1st Round - Kurume)
Anna Smith/Jocelyn Rae beat Emily Webley-Smith/Veselinovic 4-6 6-1 11-9 (1st Round - Kurume)
Samantha Murray/Ankita Raina beat Yasuda/Hisamitsu 6-3 7-5 (1st Round - Kurume)
Bruce Strachan lost to Yusuke Watanuki 1-6 2-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Miles Bugby beat Maxim Kravtsov 6-3 6-3 (1st Round - Antalya)
Tom Allen lost to Lucas Pouille 1-6 4-6 (1st Round - Galati)
Laura Deigman beat Stefanie Vorih 6-0 6-4 (1st Round - Bol)
Imran Aswat beat Aydin Akhmetshin 6-3 7-5 (1st Round - Sousse)
James Ward beat Andreas Beck 6-4 6-4 (1st Round - Heilbronn)
Bruce Strachan/Scott William Lister beat Goncalves/Brandao 6-4 6-3 (1st Round - Antalya)
James Marsalek lost to Takashi Saito 3-6 6-4 1-6 (1st Round - Valldoreix)
Nikki Roenn/Cirpian Onufrei lost to Culicovschi/Frosa 1-6 1-6 (1st Round - Galati)
Jack Carpenter/Tom Allen beat Popa/Iliescu 6-3 6-0 (1st Round - Galati)
Harriet Dart beat Adeliya Zbirova 6-4 6-4 (1st Round - Sousse)
Imogen Magner/Lidia Moreno Arias lost to Perez-Somarriba/Pou 5-7 0-6 (Quarter-Final - Monzon)
Joe Cooper/Aydin Akhmetshin lost to Kellovsky/Snobel 1-6 3-6 (1st Round - Sousse)
Heather Watson/Mriana Duque Marino lost to Hradecka/Krajicek 2-6 6-3 6-10 (1st Round - Prague)
Danielle Konotoptseva lost to Violetta Degtiareva 2-6 5-7 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Jessica Simpson lost to Diana Bogoliy 3-6 6-1 1-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Laura Deigman/Britt Geukens lost to Szlavikovics/Adnrei 6-3 3-6 7-10 (1st Round - Bol)
Joshua Milton/Ivan Arenas/Gualda beat Agudiez/Dominguez 6-3 6-0 (1st Round - Termas De Monfortinho)
Lucy Brown/Polina Leykina beat Bojanic/Tsiklauri 6-1 6-1 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Antonia Smallbone/Yui Saijai lost to Mun/Tcakanian 1-6 3-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Aimee Gibon/Sri Vaishnavi Peddi Reddy lost to Grinchishina/Bogoliy 4-6 3-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)

Monday May 12
Emily Webley-Smith lost to Tamarine Tanasurgarn 2-6 0-6 (2nd Qualifying Round - Kurume)
Emily Webley-Smith/Ana Veslinovic beat Hagio/Kawamura 6-3 6-1 (1st Qualifying Round - Kurume)
Edward Corrie/Dan Smethurst lost to Lee/Wang 6-7 2-6 (1st Round - Busan)
Nikki Roenn lost to Sergiu Rogoveanu 2-6 3-6 (3rd Qualifying Round - Galati)
Robbie Ridout lost to Luciano Betella 6-7 6-2 2-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
James Marsalek/Michael Bois lost to Fritz/Altamirano 1-6 4-6 (1st Round - Valldoreix)
Johanna Konta beat Lyudmyla Kichenok 6-4 6-3 (1st Round - Saint-Gaudens)
Antonia Smallbone lost to Yekaterina Gubanova 3-6 1-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Kyle Edmund beat Dustin Brown 4-6 6-1 6-4 (1st Round - Heilbronn)
Nikki Slater/Karolina Wlodarczak beat Suvrijn/Khazaniuk 6-4 6-2 (1st Round - Saint-Gaudens)
Aimee Gibson lost to Teodora Radosavljevic 4-6 4-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Ken/Neal Skupski lost to Couacaud/Lokoli 6-7 6-3 5-10 (1st Round - Bordeaux)

Sunday May 11
Emily Webley-Smith beat Makoto Yamaguchi 6-4 6-2 (1st Qualifying Round - Kurume)
Anna Smith lost to Tori Kinard 3-6 5-7 (1st Qualifying Round - Kurume)
Alex Ward lost to Egor Gerasimov 2-6 6-7 (2nd Qualifying Round - Heilbronn)

Saturday May 10
Edward Corrie lost to Jason Jung 4-6 2-6 (1st Qualifying Round - Heilbronn)
Alex Ward beat Christian Hirschmueller 6-0 6-0 (1st Qualifying Round - Heilbronn)

Tennis Brit Watch Week 19

ATP

Singles

Madrid Masters - Andy Murray (Lost 3rd Round - Santiago Giraldo 6-3 6-2)


Rome Challenger - Dan Evans (Lost 1st Round - Miloslav Mecir 6-4 1-6 1-6)
                             - Lewis Burton (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Gibril Diarra 4-6 4-6)

Gimcheon Challenger - Dan Smethurst (Lost 2nd Round - Tatsuma Ito 3-6 5-7)
                                    - Edward Corrie (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Cheong-Eui Kim 7-6 2-6 2-6)

Antalya Futures -  Alexander Jhun (Lost 2nd Round - Matthias Wunner 3-6 2-6)
                          - Bruce Strachan (Lost 1st Round - Hiroyasu Ehara 1-6 4-6)

Lleida Futures - James Marsalek (Lost 2nd Round - Bernabe Zapata Miralles 1-6 2-6)

Mexico City Futures - Daniel Manlow (Lost 1st Round - Nicolas Barrientos 4-6 3-6)

Newcastle Futures - Kyle Edmund (Lost Quarter-Final  - Peter Torebko 4-6 4-6)
                               - Alex Ward (Lost 1st Round - Jake Eames 3-6 6-4 5-7)
                               - Marcus Willis (Lost 2nd Round - Jathan Malik 6-7 3-6)
                               - Liam Broady (Lost 1st Round - Jack Carpenter 4-6 5-7)
                               - Ashley Hewitt (RUNNER-UP)
                               - Neil Pauffley (Lost Semi-Final - Peter Torebko 5-7 0-3 retired)
                               - Luke Bambridge (Lost 2nd Round - Ashley Hewitt 4-6 4-6)
                               - Robert Carter (Lost 2nd Round - Jake Eames 4-6 7-5 2-6)
                               - Jonny O'Mara (Lost 2nd Round - Kyle Edmund 0-6 6-7)
                               - Jack Carpenter (Lost 2nd Round - Neil Pauffley 3-6 1-6)
                               - Tom Allen (Lost 1st Round - Daniel Glancy 3-6 1-6)
                               - Adam Glynn (Lost 1st Round - Maverick Banes 2-6 1-6)
                               - Imran Aswat (Lost 1st Round - Marcus Wills 2-6 3-6)
                               - Keelan Oakley (Lost 2nd Round - Alexis Klegou 6-2 2-6 1-6)
                               - Jathan Malik (Lost Quarter-Final - Ashley Hewitt 2-6 4-6)
                               - Adam Thornton-Brown (Lost 1st Round - Jathan Malik 3-6 2-6)
                               - Ryan Peniston (Lost 1st Round - Robert Carter 0-6 6-4 3-6)

Doubles

Madrid Masters - Jamie Murray (partnering John Peers) (Lost 1st Round - Frystenberg/Matkowski 6-2 3-6 6-10)
                         - Dominic Inglot (partnering Treat Huey) (Lost 2nd Round - Peya/Soares 7-6 1-6 8-10)

Gimcheon Challenger - Jamie Delgado (partnering Gilles Muller) (Lost Quarter-Final - Krajicek/Smith 4-6 1-6)

Rome Challenger - Ken Skupski/Neil Skupski (Lost 1st Round - Duran/Gonzalez 4-6 2-6)

Sharm el Sheikh Futures - Robbie Ridout (partnering Rached Rihani) (Lost Quarter Final - Rondoni/Bonadio 1-6 2-6)

Newcastle Futures - Luke Bambridge/Liam Broady (Lost Quarter-Final - Willis/O'Mara 6-2 3-6 6-10)
                             - Jonny O'Mara/Marcus Willis (CHAMPIONS)
                             - Neil Pauffley (partnering Daniel Glancy) (Lost Semi-Final - Van Peperzeel/Banes 3-6 2-6)
                             - Robert Carter/Ryan Peniston (Lost 1st Round - Neil Pauffley/Glancy 6-7 2-6)

Lleida Futures - James Marsalek (partnering Michael Bois) (Lost 1st Round - Hernandez/Requena 4-6 6-3 8-10)
                       - Charlie Hughes (partnering Jordi Marse-Vidri) (Lost Vervoort/Munoz-Abreu 1-6 7-6 5-10)

Antalya Futures - Alexander Jhun (partnering Yusuke Watanuki) (Lost 1st Round - Pecotic/Weinhandl 4-6 6-3 4-10)

WTA

Singles

Cagnes-sur-Mer 100k - Johanna Konta (Lost Johanna Konta - Sharon Fichman 4-6 6-0 4-6)
                                    - Heather Watson (Lost Quarter Final - Kiki Bertens 3-6 1-6)

Fukuoka 50k - Naomi Broady (CHAMPION)
                     - Samantha Murray (Lost 1st Round - Irena Pavlovic 6-4 5-7 4-6)
                     - Tara Moore (Lost 1st Round - Ekaterina Bychkova 4-6 7-5 3-6)
                     - Jade Windley (Lost 1st Round - Naomi Broady 2-6 1-6)
                     - Emily Webley-Smith (Lost 1st Qualifying Round - Yuuki Tanaka 6-3 1-6 0-6)

Tunis 25k - Amanda Carreras (Lost 2nd Round - Beatriz Garcia Vidagany 5-7 1-6)

Sharm el Sheikh 10k - Lucy Brown (Lost 1st Round - Tamara Bojanic 2-6 7-5 3-6)
                             - Katie Boulter (CHAMPION)
                             - Danielle Konotoptseva (Lost 2nd Round - Eden Silva 3-6 2-6)
                             - Eden Silva (RUNNER-UP)
                             - Francesca Stephenson (Lost Quarter-Final - Liudmila Vasilyeva 1-6 3-6)
                             - Savannah Sills (Lost 1st Round - Chantelle Rigozzi 1-6 6-7)
                             - Antonia Smallbone (Lost 1st Round - Francesca Stephenson 0-6 4-6)
                             - Aimee Gibson (Lost 2nd Round - Ekaterina Tretyak 3-6 4-6)

Bol 10k - Laura Deigman (Lost 1st Round - Imane Kocher 4-6 2-6)
            - Elizabeth Thomas (Lost 1st Round - Patricia Maria Tig 0-6 0-6)

Doubles
 
Cagnes-sur-Mer 100k - Heather Watson (partnering Sharon Fichman) (Lost Semi-Final - Seguel/Bua 2-6 6-4 8-10)
                                   - Nicola Slater (partnering Gaia Sanesi) (Lost 1st Round - Abduraimova/Camerin 5-7 1-6)

Fukuoka 50k - Emily Webley-Smith (partnering Ekaterina Bychkova) (Lost Quarter-Final - Hozumi/Aoyama 1-6 6-4 4-10)
                    - Samantha Murray/Jade Windley (Lost 1st Round - Yonemura/Namigata 6-3 2-6 6-10)
                    - Jocelyn Rae/Anna Smith (Lost Quarter-Final - Broady/Daniilidou 3-6 1-6)
                    - Naomi Broady (partnering Eleni Danilidou) (RUNNER-UP)

Bol 10k - Laura Deigman (partnering Martine Ditlev) (Lost Quarter-Final - Tig/Mendesova 6-3 6-1)

Sharm el Sheikh 10k - Lucy Brown (partnering Polina Leykina) (Lost Quarter-Final - Katie Boulter/Stojanovic 0-6 6-4 8-10)
                                 - Katie Boulter (partnering Nina Stojanovic) (CHAMPION)
                                 - Aimee Gibson (partnering Sri Vaishnavi Peddi Reddy) (Lost Semi-Final - Smagina/Klyueva 5-7 3-6)
                                 - Antonia Smallbone (partnering Yuriko Miyazaki) (Lost 1st Round - Francesca Stephenson/Mikheeva 0-6 0-6)
                                 - Francesca Stephenson (partnering Alina Mikheeva) (Lost Quarter-Final - Aimee Gibson/Reddy 4-6 3-6)
                                 - Savannah Sills (partnering Yana Yurchenko) (Lost 1st Round - Gubanova/Grinchishina 1-6 2-6)

Sunday May 11th
Naomi Broady beat Kristyna Pliskova 5-7 6-3 6-4 (Final - Fukuoka)
Naomi Broady/Eleni Daniilidou lost to Hozumi/Aoyama 3-6 4-6 (Final - Fukuoka)
Katie Boulter beat Eden Silva 4-6 6-4 7-5 (Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Katie Boulter/Nina Stojanovic beat Smagina/Klyueva 6-2 6-3 (Final - Sharm el Sheikh)

Saturday May 10th
Naomi Broady beat Yung-Jan Chan 6-3 6-3 (Semi-Final - Fukuoka)
Naomi Broady/Eleni Daniilidou beat Rodionova/Gajdosova 6-0 6-3 (Semi-Final - Fukuoka)
Alexander Jhun lost to Matthias Wunner 3-6 2-6 (2nd Round - Antalya)
Ashley Hewitt lost - Peter Torebko 1-6 4-6 (Final - Newcastle)
Katie Boulter beat Liudmila Vasilyeva 6-1 6-2 (Semi-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Eden Silva beat Ekaterina Tretyak 6-4 6-4 (Semi-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Aimee Gibson/Sri Vaishnavi Peddi Reddy lost to Smagina/Klueva 5-7 3-6 (Semi-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Katie Boulter/Nina Stojanovic beat Novakovic/Radosavlijevic 6-0 7-6 (Semi-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)

Friday May 9th
Naomi Broady beat Erika Sema 7-6 6-3 (Quarter-Final - Fukuoka)
Emily Webley-Smith/Ekaterina Bychkova lost to Hozumi/Aoyama 1-6 6-3 3-10 (Quarter-Final - Fukuoka)
James Delgado/Gilles Muller lost to Krajicek/Smith 4-6 1-6 (Quarter-Final - Gimcheon)
Heather Watson lost to Kiki Bertens 3-6 1-6 (Quarter-Final - Cagnes sur-Mer)
Neil Pauffley lost to Peter Torebko 5-7 0-3 retired (Semi-Final - Newcastle)
Marcus Willis/Jonny O'Mara beat Van Peperzeel/Banes 7-6 6-1 (Final - Newcastle)
Ashley Hewitt beat Alexis Klegou 6-2 3-3 retired (Semi-Final - Newcastle)
Heather Watson/Sharon Fichman lost to Seguel/Bua 2-6 6-4 8-10 (Semi-Final - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Katie Boulter beat Teodora Radosavljevic 6-1 6-1 (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Francesca Stephenson lost to Liudmila Vasilyeva 1-6 3-6 (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Eden Silva beat Polina Leykina 6-1 6-7 6-4 (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Aimee Gibson/Sri Vaishnavi Peddi Reddy beat Francesca Stephenson/Mikheeva (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Katie Boulter/Nina Stojanovic beat Lucy Prown/Leykina 6-0 4-6 10-8 (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)

Thursday May 8th
Naomi Broady beat Junri Namigata 3-6 7-6 6-4 (2nd Round - Fukuoka)
Naomi Broady/Eleni Daniilidou beat Anna Smith/Jocelyn Rae (Quarter-Final - Fukuoka)
Robert Carter lost to Jake Eames 4-6 7-5 2-6 (2nd Round - Newcastle)
Kyle Edmund lost to Peter Torebko 4-6 4-6 (Quarter-Final - Newcastle)
Ashley Hewitt beat Jathan Malik 6-2 6-4 (Quarter-Final - Newcastle)
Amanda Carreras lost to Beatriz Garcia Vidagany 5-7 1-6 (Quarter-Final - Newcastle)
Neil Pauffley beat Jake Eames 6-2 4-6 6-2 (Quarter-Final - Newcastle)
Heather Watson beat Claire Feuerstein 6-1 4-6 7-5 (2nd Round - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Marcus Wills/Jonny O'Mara beat Liam Broady/Luke Bambridge 2-6 6-3 10-6 (Semi-Final - Newcastle)
Robbie Ridout/Rached Rihani lost to Rondoni/Bonadio 1-6 2-6 (Quarter-Final - Sharm el Sheikh)
Katie Boulter beat Anastasia Tsyganova walkover (2nd Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Neil Pauffley/Daniel Glancy lost to Van Peperzeel/Banes 3-6 4-6 (Semi-Final - Newcastle)
Johanna Konta lost to Sharon Fichman 4-6 6-0 4-6 (2nd Round - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Laura Deigman/Martine Ditlev lost to Tig/Mendesova 3-6 1-6 (Quarter-Final - Bol)
Aimee Gibson lost to Ekaterina Tretyak 3-6 4-6 (2nd Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Andy Murray lost to Santiago Giraldo 3-6 2-6 (3rd Round - Madrid)
Eden Silva beat Danielle Konotoptseva 6-3 6-2 (2nd Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Heather Watson/Sharon Fichman beat Gorgodze/Costa 7-6 6-4 (Quarter-Final - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Francesca Stephenson beat Yuriko Miyazaki 2-6 6-3 6-2 (2nd Round - Sharm el Sheikh)

Wednesday May 7th
Tara Moore lost to Ekaterina Bychkova 4-6 7-5 3-6 (1st Round - Fukuoka)
Daniel Smethurst lost to Tatsuma Ito 3-6 5-7 (2nd Round - Gimcheon)
Jamie Delgado/Gilles Muller beat Chen/Neuchrist 6-2 6-7 10-5 (1st Round - Gimcheon)
Alexander Jhun beat Barkin Talcinkale 6-4 2-6 6-3 (1st Round - Antalya)
Emily Webley-Smith/Ekaterina Bychkova beat Fujiwara/Tanasugarn 6-4 2-6 14-12 (1st Round - Fukuoka)
Jamie Murray/John Peers lost to Frystenberg/Matkowski 6-2 3-6 6-10 (1st Round - Madrid)
Elizabeth Thomas lost to Patricia Maria Tig 0-6 0-6 (1st Round - Bol)
James Marsalek lost to Bernabe Zapata Miralles 1-6 2-6 (2nd Round - Lleida)
Neil Pauffley beat Jack Carpenter 6-3 6-1 (2nd Round - Newcastle)
Jathan Malik beat Marcus Willis 7-6 6-3 (2nd Round - Newcastle)
Kyle Edmund beat Jonny O'Mara 6-0 7-6 (2nd Round - Newcastle)
Amanda Carreras beat Barbara Luz 7-6 6-2 (1st Round - Tunis)
Ashley Hewitt beat Luke Bambridge 6-4 6-4 (2nd Round - Newcastle)
Laura Deigman/Martine Ditlev beat Miksovska/Kulhankova 6-3 3-6 10-8 (1st Round - Bol)
Keelan Oakley lost to Alexis Klegou 6-2 2-6 1-6 (2nd Round - Newcastle)
Charlie Hughes/Jordi Marse-Vidri lost to Vervoort/Munoz-Abreu 1-6 7-6 5-10 (Quarter-Final - Lleida)
Katie Boulter beat Camila Aguirri 6-0 6-1 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Eden Silva beat Ekaterina Tsiklauri 6-3 6-2 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Lucy Brown lost to Tamara Bojanic 2-6 7-5 3-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Neil Pauffley/Daniel Glancy beat Haenle/Torebko (Quarter-Final - Newcastle)
Francesca Stephenson beat Antonia Smallbone 6-0 6-4 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Danielle Konotoptseva beat Lara Rafful 6-3 3-1 retired (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Andy Murray beat Nicolas Almagro6-1 1-6 6-4 (2nd Round - Madrid)

Tuesday May 6th
Naomi Broady beat Jade Windley 6-2 6-1 (1st Round - Fukuoka)
Samantha Murray lost to Irena Pavlovic 6-4 5-7 4-6 (1st Round Fukuoka)
Naomi Broady/Eleni Daniilidou beat Bonaventure/Veselinovic 0-6 6-3 10-5 (1st Round - Fukuoka)
Jade Windley/Samantha Murray lost to Yonemura/Namigata 6-3 2-6 6-10 (1st Round - Fukuoka)
Alexander Jhun/Yusuke Watanuki lost to Pecotic/Weinhandl 4-6 6-3 4-10 (1st Round - Antalya)
Bruce Strachan lost to Hiroyasu Ehara 1-6 4-6 (1st Round - Antalya)
Nicola Slater/Gaia Sanesi lost to Abduriamova/Camerin 5-7 1-6 (1st Round - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Robbie Ridout/Rached Rihani beat Vasilyev/Belyaev 5-7 6-3 10-8 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Neil Pauffley beat Albert Alcaraz Ivorra 6-3 6-3 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Jack Carpenter beat Liam Broady 6-4 7-5 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Robert Carter beat Ryan Peniston 6-0 4-6 6-3 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Marcus Willis beat Imran Aswat 6-2 6-3 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Laura Deigman lost to Imane Kochher 4-6 2-6 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Jonny O'Mara beat N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth 4-6 6-4 6-2 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Luke Bambridge beat Gavin Van Peperzeel 6-4 3-6 6-3 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Dan Evans lost to Miloslav Mecir 6-4 1-6 1-6 (1st Round - Rome)
Tom Allen lost to Daniel Glancy 3-6 1-6 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Heather Watson beat Giulia Gatto-Monticone 6-4 7-6 (1st Round - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Adam Glynn lost to Maverick Banes 2-6 1-6 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Ken Skupski/Neal Skupski lost to Duran/Gonzalez 4-6 2-6 (1st Round - Rome)
Aimee Gibson beat Ekaterina Kiyueva 6-2 6-4 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Dominic Inglot/Treat Huey lost to Peya/Soares 7-6 1-6 8-10 (2nd Round - Madrid)
Alexander Ward lost to Jake Eames 3-6 6-4 5-7 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Ashley Hewitt beat Pirmin Haenle 7-6 7-5 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Francesca Stephenson/Alina Mikheeva beat Antonia Smallbone/Miyazaki 6-0 6-0 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Keelan Oakley beat Tak Khunn Wang 6-4 6-4 (1st Round - Newcastle)
James Marsalek/Michael Bois lost to Hernandez/Requena 4-6 6-3 8-10 (1st Round - Lleida)
Jathan Malik beat Adam Thornton-Brown 6-3 6-2 (1st Round - Newcaslte)
Kyle Edmund beat Bruno Argudo-Toro 6-0 6-1 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Johanna Konta beat Myrtille Georges 6-2 6-1 (1st Round - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Neil Pauffley/Daniel Glancy beat Robert Carter/Ryan Peniston 7-6 6-2 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Liam Broady/Luke Bambridge beat Ede/Eames 6-4 6-3 (1st Round - Newcastle)
Aimee Gibson/Sri Vaishnavi Peddy Reddy beat Tsyganova/Kadagidze 6-0 4-0 retired (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Savannah Sills lost to Chantelle Rigozzi 1-6 6-7 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Lucy Brown/Polina Leykina beat Ivanichenko/Aguirri 6-1 7-5 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Daniel Manlow lost to Nicolas Barrientos 4-6 3-6 (1st Round - Mexico City)
Katie Boulter/Nina Stojanovic beat Tretyak/Vasilyeva 6-1 6-4 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Savanna Sills/Yana Yurchenko lost to Gubanova/Grinchishina 1-6 2-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)

Monday May 5th 
Dan Smethurst beat Tsung-Hua Yang 2-6 7-5 6-3 (1st Round - Gimcheon)
Robbie Ridout lost to Facundo Manzanares 0-6 3-6 (1st Round - Sharm el Sheikh)
Charlie Hughes/Jordi Marse-Vidri beat Igoshin/Zhurbin 6-4 6-2 (1st Round - Lleida)
Heather Watson/Sharon Fichman beat Fomina/Andrei 6-4 6-3 (1st Round - Cagnes-sur-Mer)
James Marsalek beat Ricky Ventura Perez 6-2 6-0 (1st Round - Lleida)
Amanda Carreras beat Masa Zec Peskiric 6-3 6-2 (Final Qualifying Round - Tunis)
Marcus Willis/Jonny O'Mara beat Van  Der Lans/Sporken walkover (1st Round - Newcastle)

Sunday May 4th
Emily Webley-Smith lost to Yuuki Tanaka 6-3 1-6 0-6 (1st Qualifying Round - Fukuoka)
Amanda Carreras beat Anna Klasen 6-0 4-6 6-2 (1st Qualifying Round - Tunis)
Dominic Inglot/Treat Huey beat Benneteau/Roger-Vasselin 6-2 4-6 10-7 (1st Round - Madrid)

Saturday May 3rd
Edward Corrie lost to Cheong-Eui Kim 7-6 2-6 2-6 (1st Qualifying Round - Gimcheon)
Lewis Burton lost to Gibril Diarra 4-6 4-6 (1st Qualifying Round - Rome)

Sports Ladder (29th April-5th May)

UP - British Cycling - With the Tour de France kick starting along the mean streets of Yorkshire this year it seems only fitting that we should get in the party mood with some victories in the months beforehand. British riders underwent something of a Super Sunday this week as both Adam Yates, Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome all obtained victories. Yates won the Tour of Turkey with Cavendish claiming the stage on the day whilst Chris Froome retained his Tour de Romandie title.

UP - Amir Khan -Britain's boxing superstar this week burst back into the ring with a marvelous display in Las Vegas against Luis Collazo. In his debut fight as a welterweight, Khan rolled back the years to win a dominant points decision, knocking his opponent down three times throughout the bout. This victory re-opens the chance for Khan to line-up a potential dream bought with the mighty Mayweather. It looks a real possibility.

UP - Marc Marquez - Whilst a lot of motorsport media heads in the direction of Formula One, it is the two-wheeled escapades of Marc Marquez which are making headlines of a different kind. After winning the Moto GP last year in his debut season, becoming the first rookie to do so since 1978, the young Spaniard has continued his fine form with not one, not two, not three but four consecutive victories to kick start this season. Start as you mean to go on I suppose.

UP - GB Taekwondo - After Jade Jones helped put British Taekwondo on the map with her gold medal at London 2012 it seems like the team are making greater strides after a record medals haul at this years European Taekwondo Championships. Held in Azerbaijan, Jones and the team collected eight medals between them to eclipse the previous record of seven collected during the Manchester Championships of 2012. Top effort.

UP - James Nielsen - An interesting tribute to Roger Bannister's four minute mile in California this week as James Nielsen completed a mile in under five minutes. But this was no ordinary mile. In fact, Nielsen completed the Beer Mile. Four laps around an athletics track with a beer in between each 400m. With a Budweiser in one hand and gritty athleticism in the other, Nielsen stormed round the track in 4 minutes 57.1 seconds to set a new Beer Mile record. That deserves a celebratory pint!

DOWN - Reading Fans - Don't count your chickens before they hatch. A slightly awkward moment this week as Reading fans stormed the pitch to celebrate their team grabbing the last Championship play-off spot... Only for Brighton to dive in and steal it with a late, late goal in their game. This left the Royals fans looking rather silly as they were now celebrating narrowly missing out on the play-offs. Oh well, there is always next year!

DOWN - Tyson Gay - It has become a far too common sight this year seeing athletes at the very top of the Athletics world getting bans for drugs and Tyson Gay joins the likes of Asafa Powell on the sidelines after testing positive for a banned substance. Initially he was to be banned for two years but his cooperation with the case meant this sentence was halved. Gay has also returned his medal that he won at London 2012 as part of the 4 x 100m American relay team.

DOWN - Relegation Rubbish - So you're in the relegation zone and as the footballing cliche goes, 'fighting for your life'. Well this week's display did plenty to dispel that particular phrase as Fulham, Cardiff and Norwich all produced languid displays to all but confirm themselves as the three teams tumbling out of the Premier League basement. Fulham fell foul to Stoke whilst Cardiff were crushed by the Toon and, although Norwich drew with Chelsea, they showed no intent to win when they had to. A relegation well earned.

DOWN -  Spanish Football Fans - This week we'll end with a serious note as a wave of racial incidents have arisen in Spain which had opened up the question of whether racism in Spanish football is more endemic than previously realised. After an incident involving a banana thrown at Dani Alves last weekend, this weekend saw Atletico Madrid fans abused Papakouli Diop just weeks before their appearance in the Champions League Final. Spanish football officials need to wake up and act!