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TCL Classic
Outright plays (1 unit):
Michael Campbell to win 10/1 e.w. @ Ladbrokes
Campbell decided not to compete in last week's Volvo Masters and that can only
be the best preparation for this event and the upcoming conclusion of the 2002
Australasian Tour. While he has never played in China before this week, he has
finished highly in Asian PGA Tour co-sanctioned events, winning the Johnnie
Walker Classic at Ta Shee in 1999. Given the manner of Monty's victory last week
and his lack of golf in the region, Cambo looks the best of the imports this
week.
Lian-Wei Zhang to win 33/1 e.w. @ BetInternet
If Cambo is the best import, there is no doubt that Zhang is the best Chinese
golfer on view this week. He successfully defended his Macau Open title on his
last start on this Tour three weeks ago and finished 5th in the China Open in
September. Apart from those finishes, he has had five top-10 finishes in his
last nine Japan Tour starts. So long as the pressure of being the home favourite
does not become too binding, he looks set to please the crowds at Harbour Plaza.
Des Terblanche to win 66/1 e.w. @ BetInternet
Very much a journeyman pro. He divides his time between the Asian PGA, Southern
Africa and European Tours without playing too many weeks in one year. He has won
on this Tour before - the 2000 Thailand Open en route to finishing 8th in the
2000 Money List from only seven events - and comes off two top-10 finishes on
the Southern Africa Tour. With some very long par-3s and par-5s, his extra
length should be advantageous and he looks big at this price.
Matchup plays (1 unit):
Lian-Wei Zhang to beat Paul McGinley -115 @ Five
Dimes
Opposing two European who are out of form, tired from playing a busy schedule up
to the Volvo Masters last week and finished next to last and last respectively.
McGinley has secured just one top-10 finish since January and his best finish
since his winning putt at the Belfry is 38th. Against the best home player who
has been playing well in Japan recently ... no contest!
Charlie Wi to beat Lee Westwood -105 @ Five
Dimes
Wi hasn't quite matched the form that saw him finish a close 2nd in the Asian PGA
Tour Order of Merit last year as he has adopted a far more international
schedule this year, but he still ranks 4th in the current list having won one of
his five Tour events this year. Such a high ranking must seem a distant memory
for Westwood who finished last at Valderrama. Just can't see four good rounds
from the Englishman.
Final update:
Matchups: 0-1-1; -1.05 units
Zhang/McGinley Tied (Push)
Wi/Westwood LOST by 1
Outrights: 1-2; -1.50 units
Campbell 4th
Zhang 11th
Terblanche 29th
A three-shot swing in the last two holes in the McGinley/Zhang match put an
end to a small profit on the event. A poor finish by Zhang and equally by Wi
whose final round 74 proved costly. But it very unexpected that McGinley and
Westwood would still be in contention at this stage. Lost out to them this week,
but will continue to oppose them for the rest of the year.
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