dos cositas mas

2 things happened today that merit consideration - Kazakhstan defeated the Czech Republic 3-2 in a Davis Cup first round tie to advance to face Argentina in Buenos Aires July 8-10. This is a huge accomplishment for Kazakhstan, a country that prioritized tennis and is now reaping the rewards of Kukushkin beating Jan Hajek (and Golubev beating #7 Berdych).

Also, Argentinos Juniors remained undefeated through four games in the Clausura and three games in the Copa Libertadores by tying River Plate 0-0 in Estadio Monumental.

Relaciones con el Club

Amidst growing agricultural and Chinese oil investments, the Paris Club of investors rejected Finance Minister Amado Boudou's latest long term debt modification proposal relating to the 2001 default. The group of creditors, mostly comprised of American and Italian bond and vulture funds, wants a faster repayment or punishment handed out by Judge Thomas Griesa of the Southern District of New York. In this scenario, similar IMF investigations and sanctions regarding false inflation statistics would extend to the debt negotiations. More fuel for the opposition heading into October elections?

Davis

Chela and Schwank proved me wrong, defeating Romania in straight sets to advance to the Quarterfinals the second week of July against the Czech Republic, also at home. Berdych, Hajek and co. will be a very dangerous opponent, even if Nalbandian is healthy and Del Potro is available following Wimbledon. David does not have to play Wimbledon because his ranking is healthy, but Del Potro cannot afford to miss any more majors at this point in his career.

Clausura

With an eye on midweek Libertadores, teams must still play their starters in order to gain points in the local league before having to make more serious decisions about playing time once the group phase starts winding down (halfway through the six games right now).

Argentinos Jrs has not lost a game this year, and faces the leader River Plate tomorrow at Estadio Monumental in Nunez. Troglio tries to win every game he coaches so no analysis is needed. As the season goes on, however, he will be faced with the toughest choice of his career: Whether to play or rest his starters in the Clausura.

Velez, with three points after two group phase games, must rebound at home against Boca in order to win their first game of the local tournament.

Finally, Thursday night's featured game is Godoy Cruz vs. Independiente in Libertadores de America. Loser of that game will have work to do in order to qualify for the round of 16. Although the group phase lasts until April 20th, the last few games are bound to feature some youngsters as teams try to balance playing mid-week and weekend matches.

Macri

The news with the most impact comes from the halls of the House of Representatives and Bogota (Colombia FTA is dead). However, Buenos Aires mayor Mauricio Macri announced that municipal elections will be held prior to the October 23 national vote, meaning he could possibly stand for both offices. Is he comfortable in his current role, and would his presence on the presidential ballot take votes away from Alfonsin, the other opposition candidate?

la tan ansiada ensaladera

Hanescu, ranked 59 in the world, must win all three matches he plays this weekend for Romania to defeat Argentina at Parque Roca this weekend. Expect nerves to play a role in his losses in singles, but I am willing to bet dollars to mangos that Chela and Schwank lose the doubles match on Saturday to Hanescu and his doubles-specialist partner. Argentina is too strong to lose this match, and will build momentum heading into the quarterfinals against the winner of Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.

ARGT Global X ETF debuted today with 19,000 in volume. Look for this, as well as the price, to spike in the coming weeks.

2011

The Argentine presidential election in October pits incumbent Cristina Kirchner against Raul Alfonsin, the son of former president from 1983-1989, preceding Carlitos Saul Menem's reign of terror (see: dollar peg).

Cristina, overseeing massive inflows of commidity driven capital in pure Kirchner fashion, has done little to create anything other than transpotation union alliances with Hugo Moyano. True, the outpouring of grief surrounding her husband's death may propel her to carry Buenos Aires province, but I suspect the young Alfonsin to mount a serious challenge that may create meaningful counterarguments to the PJ's stranglehold on political doctrine.

Alfonsin may be a middle ground between Macri's far-right PRO and corporatist, unpragmatic charming Kirchnerismo (Read: young Duhalde).