HSBC Championship Betting Preview

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 47^th in the world to 13^th 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 2^nd. 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 2^nd 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.

AT&T National and Open de France Preview

This week sees the European Tour head to France for the Open de France, while the PGA Tour hosts the AT&T National in the Aronimink Golf Club. With some top names taking a week off in preparation for the Open Championship, both fields are spread with some good value to be found.

AT&T National

Nick Watney

Nick Watney showed well last week with two opening rounds of 65 which eventually earned him a tied thirteenth finish. He has been in good form lately, recording seven Top 10 finishes so far this season. Add these stats to the fact he tied seventh here last year and it’s hard to overlook the American. Watney is best priced for the win at 14/1 (Stan James).

Bo Van Pelt

Last weekend I tipped Bo Van Pelt and he put in a decent performance to tie thirteenth. This week I am keeping the faith. His season has been going well with a third place at Crowne Plaza in May, a thirteenth at the Memorial and a fourteenth at the US Open. Last year he tied for eleventh here and I expect him to improve on that performance this weekend. Van Pelt is best priced at 25/1 (Stan James) and also 5/2 (Sky Bet) for a Top 10 finish.

Tips

1pt EW Nick Watney

0.5 EW Bo Van Pelt

1pt Bo Van Pelt Top 10

Open de France

Gregory Bourdy

Gregory Bourdy will be on home soil this week and will be hoping to continue his good form on this year’s European Tour. He produced an excellent display earlier this month with a second place finish at the Welsh Open and followed it up with a solid -11 at the Italian Open which earned him a tie for eleventh. The Frenchman showed he is more than capable when he pushed Graeme McDowell last year at the US Open and with the home support behind him, don't be surprised if he is gracing the later groupings on Sunday evening. Bourdy is best price for the win at 33/1 (Sky Bet) and is also a sensible 7/2 (Coral) for a Top 10.

Tips

0.5 EW Gregory Bourdy

1pt Gregory Bourdy Top 10

2011 Golf Stats

Staked = 134pts

Returned = 137.5pts

Profit/Loss = +3.5pts

• This article was published at www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Golf Tips on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

Travelers Championship Preview

Being the event sandwiched between the Open Championship and the US Open, the Travelers Championship is set to miss out on hosting some of golf’s big names. Despite this however, eleven of this weeks field, including last years champion Bubba Watson, have their eyes on becoming two time winners and for me, these will be the men to watch.

Zach Johnson

At Colonial two weeks back, Zach Johnson seemed to return to form with a 4^th place finish. He followed it up with another good performance at the US Open, where a final day 76 saw him fall down the leader board where he eventually tied 30^th. Along with his recent return to form, this course should suit the Americans game and I’ll be surprised if he’s outside the Top 10 on Sunday night. He is good value at 25/1 (Bwin) for the win and I would certainly get on him for a Top 10 at 12/5 (Tote Sport).

Bo Van Pelt

Bo Van Pelt is another man who could be topping the leader board come day four, after an impressive 14^th place finish at the US Open last week. Add this to his tied 8^th finish in The Masters and a 3^rd place finish two weeks ago at Colonial and Van Pelt brings excellent seasonal form into this weekend. He is good value at 30/1 (Victor Chandler) and like Johnson, is certainly worth a Top 10 Shot as well.

Hunter Mahan

Hunter Mahan leaps off the page for this weekend. While his recent form leaves a lot to be desired, his form at this event is top class. He won here in 2007 and has had several Top 5 finishes in recent years. Easily the most consistent course player on the bill this week, there is no secret as to why the bookies have made him favourite. History says back him each way and for a Top 10 and so do I. He is best priced for the win at 14/1 (Sky Bet) and 17/10 (Tote Sport) for a Top 10.

My Tips

1pt EW Zach Johnson

1pt Zach Johnson Top 10

.5pt EW Bo Van Pelt

1pt Hunter Mahan Top 10

Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 129pts

Returned = 137.5pts

Profit/Loss = +9.5pts

• This article was published at www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• For all Golf Tip Updates follow on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

US Open Preview

Golf’s second major tees off at Congressional Country Club, Bethesda on Thursday and despite the absence of Tiger Woods, an extremely strong field is due to assemble.

Northern Ireland native Graeme McDowell will be determined to defend his title but the following three, in my opinion, are the ones to watch.

Steve Stricker

Steve Stricker is a player that has been in superb form this season, claiming the Memorial Tournament just two weeks back. He won twice in 2010 and is currently ranked fourth in the world behind three Europeans. I expect to see him involved in the business end of proceedings at Congressional. His form on the 2011 PGA Tour has been impressive. In 10 events, he has made all 10 cuts, has had 4 Top 10 finishes, one of which was his win in the Memorial. Of the American contingent, I can’t see beyond Stricker. He is great value at 25/1 (Victor Chandler) for the win, particularly with some bookmakers paying out six places. I also see good value in a Top 10 at 5/2 (Sky Bet).

Adam Scott

Adam Scott has been in decent form recently and narrowly missed out on winning the Masters earlier in the year. This week he employs the services of Tiger Woods' right hand man Steve Williams and the New Zealanders experience just might propel Scott's chances. He is worth an each way punt at 60/1 (Paddy Power) and look out for a Top 20, best at 15/8 (Sky Bet).

My Tips

1pt EW Steve Stricker

0.50 EW Adam Scott

1pt Steve Stricker Top 10

1pt Adam Scott Top 20

Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 124pts

Returned = 137.5pts

Profit/Loss = +14.5pts

• This article was published by www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Golf Tips on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

St. Jude Classic Preview

This week the St. Jude Classic provides some of the worlds top players an opportunity to prepare for the US Open in seven days. While Lee Westwood leads the betting these are the two men that I expect to provide profit to punters come Sunday night.  

David Toms

David Toms is a man marching towards the US Open in fantastic form. Three weeks back, he impressed when he agonisingly missed out on claiming Players Championship losing in a play off to K.J Choi. Just a week later he bounced back to card an emotional win at Colonial. Since then, Toms has taken a well earned break but on Thursday, he will return for the St. Jude Classic, somewhere he has impressed massively over the last decade. The American won here in 2003 and in 2004, was 2^nd in 2005, 3^rd in 2007 and 2^nd in 2009. He may be second favourite to Lee Westwood with the bookmakers but for me, given his recent form and his amazing course consistency, Toms is the man to beat this week. He is best priced at 11/1 (Victor Chandler) and is a steady 11/8 (Victor Chandler) to finish in the Top 10, something he has achieved in five of his last eight attempts.

 

Heath Slocum

Heath Slocum has been in very inconsistent form this season and doesn’t seem to jump off the page when finding potential challengers but because of these factors the bookmakers have offered some big and tempting odds. He is 100/1 (Stan James) for a win but I see great value in a Top 20 at 7/2 (Paddy Power). Though he hasn’t given much reason for optimism on recent performances, he does hold some course form with a 4^th in 2005, 12^th in 2007 and 10^th in 2009.

My Tips

1pt EW David Toms

2pt David Toms Top 10

1pt Heath Slocum Top 20

Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 120pts

Returned = 137.5

Profit/Loss = +17.5pts

• This article was publish at www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Golf tips on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

Magners League Final Preview

The Magners League Grand Final serves up a clash that Irish rugby fans would have been hoping for, as the countries top two provinces Leinster and Munster face off at Thomand Park. While Leinster will come into this game in good spirits after their emphatic Heineken Cup triumph last weekend, Munster will fancy their chances to claim some silverware after topping the Magners League stage and sealing home advantage.

Despite impressive league form this season, Munster crashed out of the Challenge Cup against Harlequins three weeks ago after being eliminated in the group stage of the Heineken Cup, the premier rugby competition that their opponents Leinster won last weekend. While they were officially crowned the best team in Europe on Saturday, will the new European Champions be able to overcome Munster in Limerick and will they recover from the emotional and physical hangover of last weekend?

Coach Joe Schmidt has made three changes to the line up that stunned Northampton Saints with an incredible second half performance last Saturday, most notable Fergus McFadden replacing the injured Gordon Darcy. In the Munster camp, veteran David Wallace wins his 200^th cap in a side that is unchanged from that which beat the Osprays in the semi final stage.

The teams have had some epic battles in recent years, none more so than their last clash here in the league stage of this competition in April, where a late penalty from Ronan O’Gara gave the home side a 24-23 point win. Leinster have only beat Munster once in Limerick since 1995, that victory coming last year when they won 16-15. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this tie will be extremely tight. There are several reasons to argue a Munster win (Home form and advantage, hunger for silverware, Leinster fatigue) and also a Leinster win (Confident after last weekend, best team in Europe, beat Munster here last season). I expect this to come down to the battle between Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton. Two of the best kickers in the game at present, which ever of these two takes the game into his hands will have a huge say in the result. Even though Leinster will be determined to do the double which has only been achieved on four occasions, Munster have won all 12 home games in the Magners League this season and I feel this will be crucial come Saturday night.

In a game that is though to call I have focused on bets that come with value. I feel Munster (+5) will be a safe wager but simply provides no worth at 4/7. Therefore Danny Barnes who scored a brace against Osprays in the Semi final and maintains his place this weekend is 5/1 (William Hill) to score at Anytime and is worth a punt. Here back in April, Leinster held a 20-8 lead at half time only to be beaten 24-23. For a similar turn of events, Leinster HT/Munster FT is good value at 8/1 (Sporting Bet). Finally, I see good value in the Man of the Match betting and while it is likely that O’Gara or Sexton will claim this award Doug Howlett is always capable of running in for some big tries. Certainly a great chance and top value at 25/1 (Boyle Sports).

My Tips

1pt Danny Barnes Anytime

1pt Leinster HT/Munster FT

1pt Doug Howlett MOTM

2011 Rugby Stats

Staked = 59.5pts

Returned = 64.4pts

Profit/Loss = +4.9pts

• This article was published at www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Rugby Tips on Twitter  @CianMcCrohan.

BMW PGA Championship Preview

European golf’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, gets under way on Thursday and this year has attracted an incredibly strong field of pros. For the first time ever in a European Tour event, all four current major winners will take to the tee, which for us means multiple contenders to choose from and plenty of value from the bookmakers.

Luke Donald

Any regular readers of these articles will notice that Luke Donald is an ever present name in recent weeks. In the last four consecutive events I have tipped the Englishman and in the last four consecutive events he has provided profit. This week though, more than any other, I find reasons to pin the world number two to the top of my tip list. Dismiss that he is the bookmakers favourite and short odds at 15/2 (Coral), course form and recent form indicate Donald will be a contender this week. In his 7 appearances here, he has never missed a cut. He has had 3 Top 10s and they have all been in the last four years. Among these Top 10s were a 3^rd place finish in 2009 and a 2^nd place finish last year. Add these impressive course stats to his form this term that consist of 8 PGA events, 7 Top 10 finishes, 1 Win and 1 Runner Up finish, along with a 2^nd place finish in last weeks World Match Play and it is impossible to ignore the 33 year old. As said above, Donald is best priced at a short 15/2 (Coral) and is a worthy each way bet. While I wouldn’t be surprised to see Luke win, I’d avoid backing him on the nose as he has failed to finish off the job in recent events, only to place. He is 4/5 (Tote Sport) for a Top 10 finish, which has consistently achieved over recent weeks. 

Ross Fisher

Ross Fisher has appeared here on five occasions, making the cut in all. In his two most recent outings here he has carded two Top 10 finishes. In 2009, he came close to claiming victory but finished Runner Up, one stroke shy of eventual winner Paul Casey. Along with his decent course form over recent years, Fisher also brings decent form from this year. He registered a Top 10 a few weeks back at the Dubai Desert Classic, a 15^th place finish at Augusta and last week played well where he carded a 9^th place finish at the World Match Play. The local man is best priced at 33/1 (Paddy Power) to win and is certainly worth an each way punt. I particularly see value in a Top 10 finish at 10./3 (Bet 365).

Anders Hansen

Anders Hansen has brilliant form on this course and is good value for a win this weekend. He has won this event twice, first in 2002 and again 2007. Along with his two triumphs, he has also had 4 other finishes of 21^st and better. He brings good current form sitting 4^th in the “Race to Dubai” with 6 Top 20 finishes in 9 appearances the year including 3 Top 10s in his last 6. Hansen is another good each way shout at a best price of 45/1 (William Hill) though I’d be much more drawn by a 2/1 (Paddy Power) for a Top 20 finish.

Richard Green

Richard Green, similar to Hansen, is another outsider who brings very impressive course form into this weekend. In the last decade, Green has never missed a cut and has carded 6 Top 20s with 3 Top 10s. While he has been in inconsistent form since winning the Portugal Masters in October, in recent weeks he has showed signs of improving. While he is 100/1 (Boyle Sports) for the win this week, again, similar to Hansen, I see value in the Top 20 finish at 4/1 (Paddy Power).

My Tips

1pt EW Luke Donald Win

0.5pt EW Ross Fisher Win

2pt Luke Donald Top 10

1pt Ross Fisher Top 10

1pt Anders Hansen Top 20

0.5pt Richard Green Top 20

Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 112.5pts

Returned = 119.5pts

Profit/Loss = +7pts 

• This article was published at www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Golf Tips on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

Leinster to Conquer Europe Again

The European rugby season reaches its climax this weekend with Stade Francais taking on Harlequins in the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday and Leinster facing Northampton in the Heineken Cup final on Saturday. While both finals look destined to be tightly contested, this is how I see them progressing.

Stade Francais Vs Harlequins

There will be more than silverware up for grabs on Friday night when Harlequins and Stade Francis line out at Cardiff City Stadium. Both teams have failed to qualify for the Heineken Cup after disappointing domestic campaigns but a place in Europe’s premier rugby competition for next season awaits Friday’s winners. Quin’s have the opportunity to become the first team to win the Challenge Cup on three occasions and will be full of confidence after their impressive win over Munster at Thomand Park in their semi final clash. Head coach Conor O’Shea fields the same starting line up from the tie in Limerick with the only change being in the reserves. Twice on the wrong end of Heineken Cup finals, Stade head into their first Challenge Cup finale on Friday. Despite a disappointing Top 14 season, the French are unbeaten in this competition so far. Their line up will have some English presence with flank James Haskell and lock Tom Palmer in the starting fifteen. I’ll be very surprised if more than a converted try separates these two come full time. I was at the Harlequins/Munster semi final and was very impressed with how Conor O’Shea’s men restricted an in-form home side and how Quin’s, very much outnumbered, fans got behind their team in what in a fortress for Munster. This weekend, I feel these factors may just help them edge out what will be a tight contest. They are best price at 8/11 (Blue Sq) to lift the trophy. Also consider Ugo Monye at 5/2 (Stan James) to be an Anytime Try scorer.

Leinster Vs Northampton

On Saturday, Leinster will set out to win their second Heineken Cup in a three year period. Once tagged “The Nearly Men” of European rugby, fortunes have been overturned by Michael Cheika and now under Joe Schmidt. With their guidance they have become the continents number one club side over the past three years. The Irishmen are also boosted by the news that their star man Brian O’Driscoll has been given the green light to take part in the season decider. In contrast, Northampton have learned this week that they will be without one of their stars in Tom Wood. But despite this, I feel they will be no push overs and with players like Soane Tonga’uiha, Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden cannot be underestimated. I expect Northampton to get in Leinsters faces in the early stages and try dominate up front in attempt to disrupt the Irish sides game plan but Leinster have been very impressive this season and I really fancy them to simply out class the Saints come Saturday evening. They are best priced for the win at 2/5 (Blue Sq) to lift the trophy, Evens (Blue Sq) for HT/FT and consider Sean O’Brien, Leinster’s top try scorer in Europe this season with four, at 10/3 (Paddy Power) to be an Anytime Try scorer.

My Tips

1pt Harlequins Win

1pt Ugo Monye Anytime Try

2pt Leinster Win

1pt Leinster HT/FT

1pt Sean O’Brien Anytime Try

1pt Leinster and Harlequins Double

2011 Rugby Tips

Staked = 52.5pts

Returned = 57.5pts

Profit/Loss = +5pts

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk
• Follow all Rugby Tips on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

Crowne Plaza Invitational Preview

While the big names may be absent at Colonial due to the Volvo World Match Play, there is still a strong and competitive field. This is reflected in the fact the bookies favourite, Jason Day, is 18/1.  With plenty of big prices and potential winners these are the men to watch for the next four days.

Jason Day

As said above, Jason Day is the bookmakers favourite at 18/1 and deservedly so. On his last appearance at this event in 2009 he finished fourth and is in tremendous recent form, earning a tied second at Augusta, a ninth place finish at the Heritage and a tied sixth at the Players Championship last week. His last event win came in the shape of the Byron Nelson Championship last year and the Australian will be determined to add another this weekend. Day is best at 18/1 (Sporting Bet) for the win and is 7/4 (Victor Chandler) to be the Top Australian.

Zach Johnson

The defending champion shot an impressive 66 on Sunday at Colonial which earned him a Top 15 finish and wrote himself into this list. He showed last year that he is capable here and if he can produce rounds mirroring that of Sunday, he is certainly going to be in the mix again this term. Accuracy off the tee here is essential and this should suit Johnson I really fancy him to be among, at least, the Top 10 on Sunday evening, if not contending. He is 20/1 (Victor Chandler) for the win and get on him for a Top 10 finish at 2/1 (Stan James).

Brian Gay

Brian Gay is another of the players that has been showing form in recent weeks. Last week he carded a Top 15 finish at the Players Championship. He has performed well at Colonial in the past with a second place finish back in 2001 and a Top 10 in 2008. Considering his shot accuracy and his putting in recent weeks particularly, this course should suit him down to the ground and expect him to be among the later groups on Sunday night. Gay is best for the win at 40/1 (William Hill) and get on him at 2/1 (Extra Bet) for a Top 20 finish.

Paul Goydos

After posting my tips last week, I passed around a tip for Paul Goydos on Twitter and Facebook. “400/1 to win the Players Championship, back him for a Top 20 at 12/1.” Little did I think he would perform as well as he did. Goydos tied for third and only for some minor errors could have been in a three way playoff. There were warnings of a big performance at the Heritage Championship where he earned a Top 10 and considering he is 80/1 (Sky Bet) for the win this week, he is good value. I suggest a Top 20 finish at 9/2 (Extra Bet).

My Tips

1pt EW Jason Day Win

2pts Jason Day Top Australian

1pt EW Zach Johnson Win

1pt Zach Johnson Top10

0.5 EW Brain Gay Win

1pt Brian Gay Top 20

1pt Paul Goydos Top 20

 Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 87.5pts

Returned = 80.6 pts

Profit/Loss = -6.9pts

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Golf Tips on Twitter @CianMcCrohan.

Volvo World Match Play Championship Preview

This week, the Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Spain welcomes a field of twenty four, including six of the world top ten golfers, for the Volvo World Match Play Championship. The players have been split into eight groups of three for a round robin format over Thursday and Friday to decide the top sixteen who will then go on to contest the title over the weekend. Considering this new format, these are the men I expect to reach the later stages.

Luke Donald

A regular on my tip list over the past few months, Donald has been a certainty to bring value for money on a weekly basis. Though event wins have not reflected his 2011 form, consistent places and top 10 finishes have provided profit for his followers. This week is no different. Donald heads into the World Match Play knowing that a win would make him the world’s number one golfer. Having played eight events on this year’s PGA Tour, he has had seven Top 10 finishes and his soul win at came at the beginning of the year happened to be in Match Play format. In February, the Englishman overcame Martin Kaymer in the final of the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship with an impressive display and I have full confidence that Donald will be among at least the top four come Sunday evening. It is a very open competition and at 7/1 (Paddy Power) it would nearly be more sensible to avoid Donald but I believe he lives up to the favourites tag. He is solid shot at 6/5 (Victor Chandler) to win his group over Thursday and Friday, the Mark McCormack group, where he faces Ross Fisher and Ryan Moore.

Alvaro Quiros

The world number 27 golfer would relish a victory on home soil. In his last match play event he tied thirty-third at the Accenture Championship and since then has looked impressive at the Masters last month and last week at the Players Championship where he tied for sixth. This week he will hope to add to his single win this year at the Dubai Desert Classic and if he does it will be his first in his native Spain since claiming the Open de Espana in May 2010. Quiros can be backed for the win at a best price of 16/1 (Paddy Power). Good each way punt.

Miguel Angel Jimenez

Miguel Angel Jimenez is another of the Spanish contingent that I feel will be in with a shout. At the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship in February he tied for fifth and now, back on home turf, he will fancy his chances to claim his first event win of the season. He performed will at the Masters last month where he tied twenty-seventh and also displayed recent form when he finished runner up at the Ballantine’s Championship two weeks ago. Jimenez is in a tough group, the Assar Gabrielsson group, with Charl Schwartzel and Johan Edfors, but if he reaches the weekend he is great value at 35/1 (Bet Fred) and is worth each way consideration.

My Tips

1pt EW Luke Donald Win

2pt Luke Donald Win Mark McCormack Group

0.5pt EW Alvaro Quiros Win

0.5pt EW Miguel Angel Jimenez Win

Thursday Match Tips

2pts Rory McIlroy to beat Retief Goosen (4/7)

2pts Martin Kaymer to beat YE Yang (1/2)

2pts Luke Donald to beat Ryan Moore (1/2)

2pts Lee Westwood to beat Anders Hansen (4/9)

1pt on Accumulation of above four selections

Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 87.5pts

Returned = 80.6 pts

Profit/Loss = -6.9pts

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk
• Follow all Golf Tips on twitter @CianMcCrohan.

Munster to Book an All Ireland Finale

Tony McGahan and his Munster side will hope for some redemption on Saturday when the Osprays visit Thomand Park. It has been an inconsistent season for the Irish province who have suffered disappointments in both the Heineken and Challenge Cups. But Paul O’Connell and co will be determined to cap off the season with domestic glory.

After their surprise defeat to Harlequins two weeks ago in the Challenge Cup semi final, Munster returned to Thomand Park last week and defeated Connacht, 22-6.This win took their league tally to 22 games played with 19 wins. However, after leading the standings for all but one week of the Magners League season, Munster will know that defeat on Saturday will leave them with nothing but stats.

Their opponents, Osprays, come into this game after a narrow away win over Aironi in their last league outing. James Hook, who will be playing his rugby in France next season, saved the day with a last minute penalty to book a spot in the playoffs for the welsh outfit. Similar to Munster, Osprays have also suffered disappointment in Europe this year, but as the defending Magners League champions, they will take confidence in the fact that their compatriots, Harlequins, showed beating Munster in Limerick is not impossible.

It is the fourth meeting of the two sides this season with Munster leading the face off three games to one. Before they’re win over Aironi in Italy, Osprays failed to register a win in four games, one of which was a home loss to Munster. In contrast, Munster’s domestic form has been second to none this season and despite their loss to Quins two weeks back, have been in excellent recent form. I expect the Irish side to win this one and face rivals Leinster in the final but be warned, I said the same two weeks ago! Statistically, it is a Munster win so Munster 1-12 points at 11/8 (Stan James) looks good. Munster HT/FT also looks solid to me at 10/11 (Blue Sq). Finally, look out for Doug Howlett who has scored two tries in his last two games. He is certainly the best value bet today at 10/1 (Bet Fred) to get the first try and if you want to play it safe with anytime try scorer, he is 2/1 (Paddy Power). Consider Simon Zebo at 11/1 (William Hill) for last try scorer. He will be introduced in the second half, is a great young talent and has a good record this season for late tries off the bench.

My Tips

2pts Munster Win by 1-12 Points

2pts Munster HT/FT

1pt Doug Howlett 1^st Try

1pt Doug Howlett Anytime Try

1pt Simon Zebo Last Try

Rugby Stats 2011

Staked = 45.5pts

Returned = 48.9pts

Profit/Loss = + 3.4pts

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk.
• Follow all Rugby tips on twitter @CianMcCrohan.

The Players Championship Preview

One of golf’s most prestigious events tee’s off on Thursday at the TPC of Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. 145 of the world’s best golfers look to make history and become the 2011 Players Champion.

While usual suspects, Woods and Mickelson, are likely to be in contention going down one of the most famous finishing stretches in golf on Sunday night, there is some excellent value to be found across the board.

Contenders

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is 16/1 (BlueSQ) to win this week. At first glance, huge odds for a golfer who is considered the best of his generation, but the bookies have motive. Even though Tiger did win the Players Championship back in 2001, he has since been unable to replicate that form here over the last decade. Furthermore, he has not won an event since November 2009, has recently withdrawn from events due to a strained MCL and withdrew here last year on the final round. He has fallen to number 8 in the world but in my opinion, this is Tiger Woods and at 16/, he is great value, particularly with some bookmakers paying out six places. He displayed glimmers of what he is capable of at Augusta last month and ended up placing. A good each way prospect and there is further value in a Top 10 finish at 2/1 (Sporting Bet).

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson will be determined to challenge this week having not performed at the Masters. He has had great showings on this year’s tour, with a tied 9^th finish at Wells Fargo last week, tied 9^th at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, 2^nd at the Farmers Insurance Open and a win at the Shell Houston Open. ‘Lefty’ has done well at Sawgrass over the years, winning in 2007 and I expect him to be among the places this weekend. He is best priced for the win at 17/1 (888 Sport), get on him each way.

Luke Donald

If one was to go by player form, then Luke Donald for a Top 10 finish at 7/4 (Stan James) is the bet of the week. The odds are a little short as it is certainly a tall order, but Donald has carded six straight Top 10 finishes. He has been the most consistent player on the tour in 2011 and has been unfortunate not to register some more event wins along with the Accenture Match Play earlier in the year. The Englishman is another good each way bet at 17/1 (888 Sport). Cover yourself with wager on a Top 10 finish.

Value

Lucas Glover

Fresh from his win at Quail Hollow, Lucas Glover may not win the Players Championship this week but I expect him to be gracing the top of the leader board come Sunday night. Along with finding recent form, Glover also showed good coarse form here when he finished third last year. Watch out for a sensible Top 20 finish this week at 11/4 (William Hill). He is best at 80/1 (Victor Chandler) if you fancy him for the win two weeks in a row.

Andreas Romero

Andreas Romero showed some excellent form last week until he fell away on Sunday. Carding rounds of 71, 67, 67 and 74, if he can produce such play as that of day two and three his weekend, he may find himself in contention. Like Glover, with signs of good form last week, he also tied for 10^th here last year. Andreas is 100/1 (Victor Chandler) for the win but at 7/2 (Sky Bet) for a Top 20, he is well worth a punt.

 

My Tips

1pt EW Tiger Woods

1pt EW Phil Mickelson

1pt EW Luke Donald

1pt Tiger Woods Top 10

2pts Luke Donald Top 10

1pt Lucas Glover Top 20

1pt Andreas Romero Top 20

Golf Stats 2011

Staked = 76.5 pts

Returned = 66.8 pts

Profit/Loss = -9.7 pts

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