TENNIS: Tsonga dominates Davydenko in front of record Boodles crowd

World No.9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed a straight sets victory over Russia's Nikolay Davydenko on a scintillating third day of action at the Boodles Challenge at Stoke Park yesterday (Thursday).

The Frenchman produced a brilliant performance in a 6-3 7-6 victory over the world No.5 as a record crowd watched from the stands. Tsonga's powerful ground strokes proved too much for the ATP World Tour Finals champion and Davydenko had no reply to his aggressive serve and volleying.

"It's always a real pleasure to play here at Boodles and it was a good game for me and for my confidence going into Wimbledon," said Tsonga. "The crowd was great and very supportive and if you're asking me how far France will go in the World Cup as well then I'd say further than England!"

In the first match of the day, Tsonga's fellow countryman Gael Monfils (pictured) came back from losing the first set to defeat the big serving Romanian Victor Hanescu from 6-7 6-4 12-10. It went right to the wire in the championship tie-break and Monfils' athleticism and solid play from the baseline proved to be the deciding factor.

"To win two matches on grass is very good preparation for me as I head to Wimbledon and I'm very happy with my time on the court here at the Boodles Challenge." commented Monfils.

In a surprise change to the schedule, the final match of the day showcased world No.9 Fernando Verdasco on court against former British Davis Cup player Lee Childs. Despite having not played a tournament match for over three years, Childs proved a great test for the Spaniard, but Verdasco eventually secured a 6-4 6-3 win with a dazzling display of tennis.

Results from Thursday:
G Monfils (FRA) bt V Hanescu (ROU) 6-7 6-4 12-10
J Tsonga (FRA) bt N Davydenko (RUS) 6-3 7-6
F Verdasco (ESP) bt L Childs (GBR) 6-4 6-3

Order of play for Friday (2.30pm):
J Tsonga (FRA) v P Kohlschreiber (GER)
T Robredo (USA) v D Brown (JAM)
N Djokovic (SRB) v N Davydenko (RUS) (not before 5pm)