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Madeira Island Open Tips: Bickerton a Tasty Bet at 40/1

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The European Tour returns to the mainland this week for a very low key event which is perennially swerved by the Tour's big names, giving the lesser lights their chance to shine.
 
The Course: Santo da Serra, Madeira (par-72, 6,826 yards)
A very hilly, cliff-top course, 2,300 feet above sea level and exposed to winds off the Atlantic. The combined effects of wind and altitude make club selection tricky, so the course favours those who have played it before rather than newcomers. The undulating fairways are generous, but the sloping poa greens are difficult to read. The four par-5's are the 3rd, 7th, 11th and 16th.
 
Ross' Top Tip: John Bickerton @ 40/1 bet365
It's best to stick with course specialists on this short, quirky track and Bickerton has come close to winning this title on several occasions - runner-up in 2000, fourth in 1999 and fifth in 2000. He’s a recent winner on Tour too having bagged the Dunhill Championship at the end of last year (albeit benefiting from a late collapse by Ernie Els), so it’s surprising to see such tasty odds this week.
 
Next Best: Santiago Luna @ 50/1 William Hill
The Spaniard may be getting a bit long in the tooth now but he has a great record at Santo da Serra, winning in 2005 and finishing runner-up to Daniel Vancsik 12 months ago, along with a host of other top finishes. He hasn’t got much form in the book this year, but could go well fresh as Madeira was also his first outing in 2007.
 
Outsider: Adilson Da Silva @ 66/1 Skybet
This straight-hitting Brazilian has enjoyed a lucrative February on South Africa’s Sunshine Tour with second place in the Vodacom Championship and a pair of filth-place finishes. The opposition was hardly top-drawer but he’s clearly bang in form - and a South American won this 12 months ago.
 
Tournament Lay: Any player who hasn’t played this course before is going to be at a disadvantage.
 
Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: John Bickerton to beat Gregory Bourdy @ 10/11 Skybet 
 
In-running notes:
The weather is a key variable on this wind-exposed track as scores can balloon when the Atlantic breeze gets up (predicted up to 15mph), so keep one eye on the weather. An early morning tee off time is probably an advantage in the first two rounds.
 
Recommended Bets:
 
John Bickerton 1pt each way @ 40/1 bet365
Santiago Luna 1pt each way @ 50/1 William Hill
Adilson Da Silva 1/2pt each way @ 66/1 Skybet

 


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