A star-studded field line up for the $5m Barclays Singapore Open, a co-sanctioned event between the European and Asian Tours.
The Course: Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore (par-71, 7,300 yards)
The course is a tough par 71 with tight fairways, thick rough and firm, grainy greens. There are three par-5's - the 4th, 7th and 18th. The weather is forecast to be hot and sultry, which might play into the hands of the Asian players
Ross' Top Tip: Ernie Els @ 16/1 Boylesports
Phil Mickelson is making his third appearance in this event and has played well both times before only to spoil his chances with a poor final round, while Padraig Harrington was runner-up to Jeev Milkha Singh here last year. They are the most likely winners this week but Els, who shared second spot with the Dubliner in 2008, gets the nod at the prices. Granted, he hasn't won for a while but he clearly likes the course (twice finished second here) and should be well refreshed after a two-week break. Furthermore, he's played a lot of golf in this part of the world so will know what to expect this week, unlike some of the Europeans. Snap up the 16's.
Next Best: Thongchai Jaidee @ 35/1 bet365 (40/1 Expekt win only)
The Thai pro mixes his golf between the European and Asian Tours with considerable success. He's twice won the Asian Tour Order of Merit titles and has already won two co-sanctioned events this season in South Korea and Indonesia, along with seven other top-20 finishes on the European Tour. Last year, he recovered well after an opening 76 to finish 13th and has been talking up his chances this week, saying: "I'm confident of playing well, because my driver and irons are working well." All of which makes the 35/1 very juicy.
Outsider: James Kingston @ 110/1 Blue Square
Such is the quality of this week's field it seems impossible to believe that at least one of the big names won't challenge for the title and one will win. However, as I previously said, conditions could play a big part this week and the South African has already played well in Asia on several occasions, including twice finishing runner-up in Hong Kong. Last year, he finished top-20 here and is a much more accomplished player this season having won the prestigious Mercedes Benz Championship in September, yet is available at 110/1!
Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet:Thongchai Jaidee to beat Alexander Noren @ Evens bet365
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Any European Tour players in contention after the cut
There are plenty of European players fancied this week - Soren Hansen, Ian Poulter and Alexander Noren being the most prominent in the betting - but the oppressive heat might take its toll and cause them to wilt at the weekend.
Recommended Bets:
Ernie Els 2pts each-way @ 16/1 Boylesports
Thongchai Jaidee 1pt each-way @ 35/1 bet365
James Kingston 1pt each-way @ 110/1 Blue Square