|
Zander Lombard - 2 points each-way @ 14-1 Recent profile suggests you need to be up with the pace to win here with last year's victor Ashun Wu being the worst placed of recent winners, and that just 8th at halfway. With the leaderrboard looking pretty moderate and local favourite Wiesberger easy to oppose at a short price, there looks to be little option but to be with Zander Lombard to kick-on from tied-5th and make a real challenge for his maiden title. Having done plenty when losing a play-off to Alvaro Quiros in Sicily, he was backing-up numerous good efforts in recent years, notably top-5 at the Joburg Open and Australian PGA. The way he finished a tough weekend at the Rocco Forte was admirable, never letting Quiros sit on a comfortable lead and perhaps only experience was the difference. He isn't naive but it is highly likely that the effort took something out of him and his recent record does show poor efforts immediately after being in contention. I have no doubt he is clearly good enough to win at this level and is now confirming promise of several amateur wins and a runner-up at The Amateur Championship. I am slightly miffed as I quite fancied him last night at 33-1 having played very well for 15 of his first 18 holes before dropping four shots in three holes but am prepared to take 14-1 now having shown that was a blip in a comfortable 69 today. More power to the argument is last seasons third round 68 here gave him a lead into the final round before the pressure told on Sunday, eventually finishing 5th, and I see no other reason to think he can't at least repeat that effort.
|
