[SirBloody Idiot]

31 January II - Australian Open - Davis/Mustard vs. Drake/Korpinen

1240: Welcome everybody to finals day here at the Australian Open for what is set to be a huge double header. First up it is the men's doubles final with an all-CWLand affair between the East's Jefferson Drake and Martti Korpinen, and the West's Heath Davis and Jojo Mustard. Ironically, this pair will meet again in six days time in Stedingham in the Davis Cup World Group play-off.

1244: So to recap, Drake and Korpinen, the fourth seeds, won through to the final after a good run through the draw. They started very strongly by losing just four games against both Malachenko and Yarkin and the Romanians Iftime and Micu. Then came the real tests against Blundell and Boyd, Brookes and Champion and finally the world No. 1 pair. The Westerners had it tougher, and were taken to three sets by all their opponents bar Machado and Rodrigues. In any event, they've pulled through strongly and looked fresh against a wilting Bachunelli and Hadir in the semis.

1250: This pair have met just once previously - that day Davis and Mustard were too good in Tokyo 6-2, 6-3. The Easterners look a lot better this tournament though and I dare say they'll put in a much more impressive performance. The finals record is equally as interesting: Drake and Korpinen are three from four attempts whilst Davis and Mustard are one from two. That one title for Davis and Mustard is, however, the CW Open.

From Graham, Nixonstown, via text: "Was lucky enough to see Drake and Korpinen in action at the CW Open last year, and hope very much these fine patriots can pull through here!"

1259: Players now making their way out in the tunnels flanked by security. Hopefully there won't be the same troubles there were by the travelling fans between Delev and Mustard. The third seeds are decked out in a nice blue outfit, whilst the fourth seeds are in matching dark red. National colours and all that. Davis and Mustard win the toss and elect to serve first, as per usual. Mind games a foot as the underdogs from the East choose to change ends from where they were standing. Not often you see that, to be honest.

1305: Warm ups completed and there's definately a nervous atmosphere around the stadium. Get the feeling that a big start is needed here from both teams. We're just about ready to go.

1307: Ready, play ...

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