Ahead of the Volvo China Open, europeantour.com stats man Steve Doughty picks out his five to watch out for this week at Genzon Golf Club.
Nicolas Colsaerts
Competing in only his second European Tour event of 2014 after playing the early part of the season on the US PGA Tour, with a best of tied 19th in the Farmers Insurance Open. However, returned to something like his best last week with a tie for second in the Maybank Malaysian Open. Has a liking for China, having claimed his first European Tour title in this event in 2011 and came very close to a successful defence in 2012. Clearly a player who is happy with the Far East conditions. The course is quite generous off the tee with not very thick rough to speak of, which may suit his big hitting game.
Ross Fisher
Already a winner this year at the Tshwane Open at the beginning of March although has not played since his tie for 37th at the Trophée Hassan II. Has made six of his eight cuts this season. Looking to become the first multiple winner this season on The European Tour. Making his fifth appearance in the Volvo China Open. Does not have a great record in the event, but Genzon Golf Club is the first European Tour event to be staged there, so there will be no real advantage for anyone.
Pablo Larrazábal
Fresh from his eighth place in the Maybank Malaysian Open, the Spanish player will head to the Volvo China Open in form. Although yet to win the Volvo China Open, he has been remarkably consistent in the event in recent times. He finished tied fifth in 2013, tied 18th in 2012, tied tenth in 2011 and eighth in 2010, albeit none of these finishes on the 2014 course of Genzon Golf Club. He clearly has the game to compete well in Far East conditions. Bidding to become the first Spanish player to win the Volvo China Open.
Ian Poulter
Comes into the event having produced a solid performance in the Masters Tournament, finishing in a tie for 20th. A player very comfortable competing in Asia and China especially. His last European Tour victory was in China at the 2012 WGC – HSBC Champions. Since his debut in the Volvo China Open in 2012, when he finished in a share of 29th, he has played four European Tour events in China and has been placed, fourth, first, 15th and second. Currently leads The European Tour category in putts per round, averaging 27.5. So if the Englishman can hit plenty of his approach shots close he must have a big chance.
Henrik Stenson
Although yet to hit the heights of 2013, his recent form has been consistent; a tie for 16th in the WGC – Cadillac Championship and a share of 14th in the Masters Tournament. His first appearance in the Volvo China Open since 2010, where he finished tied eighth. Has tasted success in China before, partnering Robert Karlsson to victory in the 2008 World Cup. Should he win he would become the first Swede to win the Volvo China Open and if he needed any further incentive, the chance to go to Number One in the Official World Golf Ranking, subject to no late player withdraws.
Will these chosen five make your team for this week’s instalment of the Fantasy Race to Dubai game? If you haven’t yet signed up for the competition, which offers weekly, monthly and season-long prizes, head over to create your team now…
