Rory to find that winning touch in Shanghai

Rory McIlroy has not had the easiest of years on the Golf course though the WGS HSBC Champions event this week could represent his best chance of a title this year.

Firtly, the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai is a course that in the past that McIlroy has spoken about liking. He has three top five finishes in this tournament to his name. Secondly, China is a country that Rory plays good golf in and he has a record of one win and seven top six finishes from 12 previous in this country. Thirdly, The Northern Irishman is showing signs of finding his feet with a tied 27th at the BMW Masters last weekend. Although the position looks nothing to write home about it was the way he played that most impressed. A couple of loose holes on the back nine in the third round saw to an end of his competition though around that he was playing some great stuff. McIlroy will take heart much from beating Tiger Woods in an exhibition event this week. Woods himself spoke recently about how he believes that McIlroy is getting his game and thinks the Northern Irishman will be the man to beat over the next few weeks. These are all signs to suggest that the 12/1 (GENERAL) on McIlroy to win this looks a decent price.

This is an event that Europeans have dominated previously which could explain why eight of the top ten in the betting are from Europe. Alongside McIlroy bookmakers expect Justin Rose (16/1-GENERAL), Henrik Stenson (16/1-GENERAL), Martin Kaymer (22/1-GENERAL), Sergio Garcia (25/1-GENERAL), Ian Poulter (28/1-GENERAL) Paul Casey (30/1-GENERAL) and Lee Westwood (30/1-GENERAL) to do well. The course should suit a number of players in particular Paul Casey who has been well backed this week.

Phil Mickelson (16/1-GENERAL) and Keegan Bradley (25/1-GENERAL) are expected to lead the American charge with the former a two winner of this event and the latter highly suited to the venue. At bigger prices though I like the look of Dustin Johnson who is a 40/1 (BWIN) chance though that firm do not pay each-way so consider also the 7/1 (GENERAL) on him in the place market. The American has been in China for a week making sure he is acclimatised, the course should suit and he has a fifth and a twelfth in his last two starts. Johnson did for three rounds of four last time in this event and at these prices it has to be worth taking that it all clicks together over 72 holes.

Those looking for a player at an even bigger price might want to look at Brett Rumford. The Australian is 100/1 with STAN JAMES and BWIN though it is only the former who are paying out each-way. Rumford is another who likes playing in Asia with his two European Tour wins comes here. His recent form is good with five top 15 finishes from his last six events. Rumford was 13th in this tournament last season at the halfway point before a disappointing couple of rounds. It is worth chancing that the Australian can come good at a course that seems well suited to his game.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Rory McIlroy in WGC HSBC Champions, EW, 12/1 (GENERAL)
SILVER: Dustin Johnson to win WGC HSBC Champions, 40/1 (BWIN) Dustin Johnson to place WGC HSBC Champions, 7/1 (GENERAL)
BRONZE: Brett Rumford in WGC HSBC Champions, EW, 100/1 (STAN JAMES)

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31/10/2013     © Frixo 2024