WGC - HSBC Champions 2010

BANK BALANCE AFTER ANDALUCIA MASTERS + 345.99 pts (2010 = +293.06 pts)

Graeme McDowell provided the blog with its 6th winner since beginning of August last week boosting the bank to 345.99 pts since the blog began March 2009. 2010 has produced a profit of 293 pts and with just a handful of events left for the year the challenge is left to try find one more winner. This week sees just 78 players teeing it at Sheshan International GC in China for the WGC Champions Tournament. Focus once again is on the "top 4" and who will emerge as World Number 1. Unlike last week, Kaymer may have a different objective this week, he may want the title of HSBC Champion more than the No.1 crown, in fact I would go as far as to suggest that the World No 1 tag is not a priority for the German. Of the top 4 this week, he has to be more favoured. Tiger is well rested and no doubt has been practicing hard under new coach, Seán Foley and could go well, but at 8/1 I wont be paying to find out, whilst Westwood may need the outing, likewise out of form Mickelson. So, it doesn't leave me with much to look at really.The players I do expect to challenge this week are those that may feel inspired by results elsewhere the past month or so. And these all point back to European players. Casey, Poulter & Donald are three due a win, especially Casey and this is a course he likes. At 18/1 he would offer good value. But following last weeks "Irish Affair" with Gmac prevailing over Meath native, Damien McGrane and fellow Ulsterman, Gareth Maybin, I am expecting the desire from Rory McIlroy to kick in this week. The long course will suit him and the small field also. Rory can be had at 25/1 (Boylesports). Another Irishman who has different incentives this week is Padraig Harrington who is coming off a win in Malaysia. Wins instigate confidence and the win for Padraig should produce that confidence to finish the season off as best he can and climb the R2D rankings in time for Dubai. For me, the odds this week are good at 33/1 (Boylesports). My other fancy is again, Ross Fisher, he is quite capable of winning the big events as I remarked last week. He is playing well despite not keeping a score together and is worth a minimum bet at 40/1.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w P.Harrington @ 33/1 (Boylesports). Dubliner can bounce back on to world stage and ignite tail end of season campaign with back to back victories.

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w R.McIlroy @ 25/1 (Boylesports). Will take inspiration from good buddy, GMac's win last week. If driving well can put himself into position and has good playing partners day one in Retief Goosen and Wen-Chong Liangs.

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w P.Casey @ 18/1 (Paddypower). Due a big win and has been challenging well in the Fed-Ex Series. Will be smarting after Ryder Cup omission and will be anxious to win here. Has terrific course form too.
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TIP 4: 1 pt e/w R.Fisher @ 40/1 (Paddypower). Quite capable of winning the big events. Birdieclubtipster "keeping the faith".