Volvo China Open preview

Our pick goes at a big price

Golf backers have a real treat on the schedule this week from Beijing, as the Volvo China Open tees off on Thursday morning. Sky Sports bring us a swing-by-swing account, and Coral cater for all your betting needs.

Our sports traders at Stratford HQ have picked Bernd Wiesberger as their pre-tournament winner, and he is joined at the head of the betting by Ross Fisher. Both can be backed at 10/1. Those looking to side with the form can have last year’s champion Hao-Tong Li at a massive 40/1 to defend. The latter is certainly tempting enough, but we are happy to bypass all three.

At the Topwin Golf and Country Club we pin our hopes on Thai player Thongchai Jaidee. The experienced 47-year-old arrives for this latest challenge in good shape, having given a decent account of himself at the Shenzen International, ending eighth in difficult conditions.

Jaidee’s stats are encouraging

Jaidee loves playing in this part of the world, which is obvious from his stats, showing he has won eight times on the European tour, with half of those coming in Asia. Punters are certain to sit up and take note. He told the press that the challenges are very much to his liking, as they are similar to what he’s used to at home.

A two-time winner of the Malaysian Open, he has also banked the prize pot at the Indonesian Open, and will start here with confidence on side, having given that eye-catching effort last time. Another top-10 finish is available with us at 2/1, and that may appeal to supporters wanting the benefit of a safety net, while the 11/10 top-20 is one for accumulators.

Course to play to his strengths

Thongchai has enough in his game out of the starting blocks to bomb down these fairways and, judging by last year’s China Open, we will be in for some very low scores. It’ll be his ability with the putter in hand that’ll set him apart from the crowd however, as there’s little danger along the way, ensuring this week turns into a straight shoot-out. That’s great news for fans and will make for some entertaining viewing.