Russian pair look likely to challenge for honours

Cornet favourite in Limoges

Vera Zvonareva is on the comeback trailCredit: Robert Prezioso

WTA Limoges Open
A French woman has reached the final in all three stagings of the WTA Limoges Open and Alize Cornet is the favourite to land the WTA 125k series prize in her home country.

But Cornet’s emotions can often get the better of her, even in low-level events, and there looks to be value elsewhere in the draw given she faces a tough opener against Danka Kovinic.

Reigning champion Ekaterina Alexandrova is back to defend her crown – she thrashed Caroline Garcia in the final – and she looks overpriced to produce a repeat performance in an open field.

The Russian has not played much in recent weeks but that was the case last year and a return to France could encourage a player who also won an indoor ITF title at Croissy-Beauborg in March.

WTA Hua Hin Championship
Qiang Wang and Belinda Bencic top the betting for the WTA Hua Hin Championship in Thailand despite being on course to meet in the second round and it appears that the odds suggest that the Chinese player would have the edge should they meet.

Bencic is the better player at peak fitness but the Swiss is still working her way back from a wrist operation and might struggle to deal with the heat and humidity in south Asia.

Take a chance on Vera Zvonareva, who is housed in the weak-looking lower half of the draw. The Russian is back on the circuit after two years away and is capable of challenging based on her recent efforts.

Recommendations
E Alexandrova to win WTA Limoges
1pt each-way 16-1 bet365, Sky Bet
V Zvonareva to win WTA Hua Hin
1pt each-way 16-1 bet365