Johnnie Walker Classic

FINAL RESULT: 0-3; -3.00pts

Jimenez 70th
Montgomerie 6th
Bjorn 30th

Monty's birdie putts shaved the edge of the hole on the last two greens and it meant that he finished one shot out of a top-5 payout place. Close, but no return on the outrights.

Outright plays (total stake per play: 1pt)

Miguel Angel Jimenez to win 20/1 e.w. available generally
Siding with players who have a proven history in this region and very few can compare with these three. Since winning the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand last year, Jimenez has since finished 6th, 1st, 1st and 6th in his next events in Asia. One of those wins (Asian Open) was in China as well, so three wins in five starts in this region in the past year is a pretty impressive ratio for a 20/1 shot. His 2005 form is also good with a 2nd place finish in his last European Tour start, the Dubai Desert Classic, and a decent showing in the Masters two weeks ago. Should be shorter than the 20/1 available.

Colin Montgomerie to win 25/1 e.w. available generally
Monty's form in this region is rather impressive as well: 3rd, 1st, 1st, 13th, 16th, 1st, 2nd, 6th and 4th in his last nine starts in Asia. One of those wins (2002 TCL Classic) came in China and his last Tour win was in this region (2004 Caltex Masters). With 2005 form that reads 2nd, 11th, 5th, 4th, 6th and 4th, there are plenty of numbers that support Monty this week and with him refreshed from not playing in the Masters and with a new lease of life after his divorce year last year, he should be another on the leaderboard throughout the week.

Thomas Bjorn to win 33/1 e.w. @ Bet365 and William Hill
Did come very close to nominating K.J. Choi for the final berth, but will settle on a regular selection for these events, Thomas Bjorn. In the last eighteen months, he has played in seven events in this region and finished in the top-4 in all but one of them. He may have gifted the title to Jimenez last year (when a selection), but he has shown enough form in 2005 (including 3rd with one round to play in the Masters) to suggest that he will at least give himself another chance this year.