To China and the third TCL "Classic".
Classic it most certainly is NOT, with a field of 156 players, most APGA journeymen.
Three names head the list, Dougherty (no comment), Westwood and McGinley.
All three have a chance, although (believe it or not) Dougherty may have the best chance even after last weeks shenanigans!
He says (gulp) he is playing the best golf of his career at the moment, to quote him- "playing like Tiger does". Time for him to back up those words with actions - so we'll give him another go... (hmmmm).
McGinley has very strong course form ( he was only just beaten in a playoff in 2005 by Casey holing a monster putt), and after two weeks rest, may go close again. This is a poor field remember...
Terry Pilkidaris is playing very nice golf at the moment (on effectively his home tour). The "nappy factor" in year 1 of your 1st child's birth is often underrated and this may help him. There's no value in him, but there doesn't seem to be value in anyone this week. Pilkidaris is a course winner though, so we'll have him in the plan.
Almost last (and least) is veteran Taiwanese golfer Keng-Chi Lin. 40 years old, and nicknamed "Lin The Pin" because of his accurate iron play, this Asian golfer has the course form to go close also.
Finally we look to Guarav Ghei, sixth in The Johnnie Walker Classic two weeks ago, is our last selection after last years TCL 5th place. He's a better golfer this year, and should challenge?
Opening balance before bet: £442.50p
Selections-
Dougherty: £2 to win 12-1
McGinley: £1 e/w 16-1
K-C Lin: £1 e/w 33-1
Pilkidaris: 50p e/w 25-1
Ghei: 50p e/w 50-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake: £334.50p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESULT:
DOUGHERTY- =13th
McGINLEY- =34th
LIN- m/c
PILKIDARIS- m/c
GHEI- =25th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£10
Closing balance after tournament: £434.50p
COMMENT- Not a great week I'm afraid, once more.
Dougherty had another solid week, but never threatened the top of the leaderboard, McGinley just doesn't seem to be playing particularly well this year so far, KC Lin and Pilkadaris both missed the cut, Pilkidaris by some way and Ghei has yet to prove himself.
The run away winner in China this year was Chapchai Nirat who opened up with a -11 score in round 1 and never looked back!
There was a welcome return to form of Prayed MarkSaeng, in one of his favourite countries, and WC Liang also continued his hot streak after last weeks win, with a nice solid 6th place here.
Interesting to note that Lee Westwood, although not threatening to win here, possibly has started some sort of a return to form, finishing above Dougherty on Sunday.
Whilst all that is happening, "26" still waits for our first winner... will it ever come?!
