The HSBC Championship got underway last night in Shanghai with the USPGA Champion Keegan Bradley setting the early pace with a round of -7, 5 shots clear of pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy. With three rounds to be played, these are the 4 men I have been impressed with in recent weeks and on Day 1 in the Far East.
1pt EW K.J Choi @ 16/1 (Paddy Power)
K.J is -4 after Day 1 and must be considered for a high finish given his fantastic form this season. He has leaped from 47th in the world to 13th in the past 12 months and at a current price of 16/1 is a brilliant each way punt.
1pt EW Bo Van Pelt @ 14/1 (Paddy Power)
Van Pelt carded a decent -5 on Day 1 in Shanghai and that currently puts him tied for 2nd. He is a man in form as he looks to make it two from two after his win in Malaysia last week. At 14/1, sitting 2nd after the opening round, he is a worthy prospect.
1pt EW Simon Dyson @ 40/1 (Ladbrokes)
Simon Dyson is one of my value punts for the next 3 days. He is 40/1 and sits four shots behind Bradley after Round 1. He has carded wins in Ireland and the Netherlands already this year and he is too much value to ignore for this one.
0.5pt EW Thongchai Jaidee @ 60/1 (Stan James)
Jaidee is one of the locals that could cause a surprise. He has already put down a decent opening round of -4 and at 60/1 Stan James, a place in the top 4 would prove profitable. Get on his small each way.
