The International

FINAL RESULT: 0-3; -4.50pts

Els 29th
Cink 6th
Appleby 19th

While Els and Appleby never looked liked providing a return, Cink certainly should have done so. When in prime position in the final round, he dropped seven shots (and 8pts) in six holes. If he had played poorly enough to be 2-over-par for those holes, he would have forced a playoff with Rod Pampling, but instead he finished one position outside the places. What a frustrating player!

Outright plays (1.5pts):

Ernie Els to win 5/1 @ SIA
In a different class to the rest of this field. He is top-ranked in both current and course form and is backable at 5/1, but no lower. He has finished outside the top-10 just once in the last four months and has three wins already this season. He is a former winner of this event and very rarely has he finished outside the top-5. The only concern would be that he may lose concentration ahead of the PGA Championship next week, but is still a very worthy favourite.

Stewart Cink to win 25/1 e.w. available generally
In good form this year, particularly with the putter, and ranks in the top-20 in par breakers as a result. That should be important this week and while he has a mixed history around Castle Pines, the experience of playing at altitude will be beneficial and he has rarely played as well as he is doing this year. His three top-15 finishes coming into this event are good indicators of his form.

Stuart Appleby to win 33/1 e.w. @ SkyBet, BetInternet and Ladbrokes
Appleby hadn't looked like re-discovering his form of September 2003 to March 2004 until finishing 5th in the Western Open last month. He followed that with a solid showing at Royal Troon, particularly in the first two rounds and so could be coming into the form to mount a challenge both this week and next. He does tend to play better on easier courses and he has plenty of experience around Castle Pines, including two top-3 finishes in the last seven years. Not great odds, but this field does have the look of a pre-major tournament.