CAPS Players Heat Things up in the Desert

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Nine and Counting...
Mark Knowles continued his hot streak with partner Mahesh Bhupati with a win on Monday in the first round of the Pacific Life Open. That's nine in a row for the pair, who look to take over the top spot in the Stanford ATP Doubles Race with a third straight title. It won't be easy, though, as they are on a collision course for a potential semifinal showdown against the No. 1 team in the world (if you're a CAPS fan at all, you better know who we're talking about). If the two teams do end up facing off, I have to wonder who CAPS Coach Wayne Bryan will be rooting for. I'm guessing he's always pulling for his twin boys, but he and "Knowlesy" certainly have some history, both on tour and here in Sacramento...

Tursunov TV
How about former CAPS MVP and local talent Dmitry Tursunov? After a close second round loss to Juan Ignacio Chela 6-7(1), 7-6(6), 6-4, he still found a way to entertain the crowd at Indian Wells. For his online blogging duties, Tursunov created a video blog in which he roamed the grounds, asking fans for their input on anything from his new bearded look to who the sexiest men are on tour. He even tried to get Daniela Hantuchova's vote in the ongoing battle he has with Knowles -- who is better looking? It seems that ever since the two played together for the CAPS, Dmitry has been trying to set the record straight. Hantuchova was no help though, as she kindly replied, "both of you."
For more, check out his blog at atptennis.com, then take part in our survey (below).
** Ladies, this is your chance to weigh in:
1) Do you like Dmitry better with or without the beard?
2) So who is better looking? Dmitry or Mark?

CAPS Roster Nears Completion
This week, the CAPS finalized deals to return Sam Warburg and veteran Elena Likhovtseva for the 2008 season. Also, according to co-owner Lonnie Nielson, the CAPS will draft 26-year-old Eric Butorac to fill the void left by Mark Knowles. No, "Knowlesy" is not leaving the CAPS behind; his wife is expecting their second child in July, so he might be a little tied up this summer. Whether or not youngster Michelle Larcher de Brito will return is yet to be determined.
** Who would you most like to see play live?

Anna K. Reflects on CAPS Experience
The CAPS 2006, '07 marquee player, Anna Kournikova, was featured on the front page of AOL Sports last week. Dave Hollander's interview provided good insight into Kournikova's current ventures and lifestyle -- she shared thoughts on her first trip to Rio de Janeiro's Carnival celebration, traveling in general, and how she misses her days competing on tour, among other things. Most importantly, though, was Kournikova's response to the following question: "What sad words of farewell would you like to tell the good people of Sacramento?" You'll have to visit the link provided to find out, but I will tell you she gave a shout out to CAPS players Mark Knowles, Elena Likhovtseva, Coach Bryan, and owner Lonnie Nielson! She also expressed no bad feelings for being traded, although some male CAPS fans may take isssue with it.
To read the entire interview, please visit: http://money.aol.com/taxNCID=aolprf00030000000001

Former CAPS Post Mixed Results
Nicole Vaidisova has come a long way since playing for the CAPS as a young 16-year old. However, as the seven seed at the 2008 Pacific Life Open, she dropped her second round match to Casey Dellacqua in three sets. Dellacqua is another young player to watch. She is climbing up the ranking ladder after a strong showing in her homeland -- the Australian Open.

Former WTT Female MVP Lindsay Davenport, who was with the team for three of its seven championship seasons, is into the fourth round at the Pacific Life Open, where she will face Marion Bartoli of France. What a feel-good story Davenport has provided for fans of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour! The new mother has shown signs of her former self, which is bad news for the rest of the women's tour. With crowds strongly behind her and the pressure off, Davenport looks like a little kid again, just enjoying every moment, something we don't see too often in professional sports. Refreshing!