FINAL RESULT: 1-2; +1.50pts

Scott 2nd
Campbell 36th
Donald 12th

Great final round by Adam Scott to put himself into contention from nine behind Sabbatini at the start of the day. But when it mattered, he faltered, leaving his putts on the 17th and 18th directly on line, but short of the hole. While Sabbatini continued to falter, there was still hope, those putts proved to be decisive as he finished one shot behind Sabbatini.

Outright plays (total stake per play: 1.5pts)

Adam Scott to win 28/1 e.w. @ Stan James, Victor Chandler and Boyle Sports
The player left off the final shortlist and will probably now run away with the tournament is Stuart Appleby. He was dropped in favour of the defending champion, which is an unusual play for me. However, I think that the fact that his victory was not counted as an official Tour win will only spur Scott on to prove himself around Riviera this time around. It meant that he didn't play in the Mercedes Championships for the third consecutive year, though he did repeat his top-20 finish in the Sony Open and then showed great form early doors in last week's Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth. A repeat of that form will see him once again challenge around this course and again progress very well in the World Matchplay next week.

Chad Campbell to win 33/1 e.w. available generally
Campbell is the player that Scott beat in the playoff last year, so there is something decidedly unoriginal in picking the top-two players from a year ago, but he has shown even more than Scott this year that he is playing well enough to finish high on the leaderboard for a second year running. He is already a Tour winner this year (Bob Hope Chrysler Classic) after coming very close to winning the previous week in the Sony Open when he was denied by David Toms. The form has seen him take and retain the #1 spot on the Money List, so apart from his obvious course form which also includes an 8th place finish in 2003, he really does warrant support at this price.

Luke Donald to win 33/1 e.w. @ Stan James, BetInternet, Victor Chandler, William Hill and Boyle Sports
The final selection did not feature in the playoff last year, but can certainly count himself unfortunate to have been frustrated by playing in the worst of the weather for the 2nd and final round, when he had been lying in 2nd place after the 1st round action. He still finished 13th, his best finish on the course, and after last week's course-record-equalling opening round, there is cause to expect another strong performance. He may not yet be one of the best players in contention, but he keeps getting there and those Tour wins will come. With his record in California, a Tour win on the West Coast is not that unlikely and particularly on a course that rewards good iron players such as Donald and Campbell.