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Remind me next time

The European Tour makes its way to Shenzhen this week for the China Open and golf betting guru David August is on hand with his best bets from the tournament…

David August's China Open Tips

Pablo Larrazabal 1pt ew @ 28-1

Julien Quesne 1pt ew @ 45-1

Richie Ramsay 1pt ew @ 55-1

Mikko Ilonen 1pt ew @ 80-1

WHERE: Genzon GC, Longgang, Shenzhen, China.

NOTES ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT: The strength of the field has improved a little compared to recent years with four players who took part in the Masters making the trip. Overall, however, it's a pretty low-key affair and with yet another new course being used for a European tour event, punters might be wise to keep their stakes relatively low.

COURSE CHARACTERISTICS: At just over 7,100yds the layout is reportedly very similar to Sheshan International GC, which is not surprising as they were both designed by Neil Haworth and his team. Clearance work has recently taken place at the par-72 track leaving it more open and exposed and with Dragon Lake coming into play at many holes, accuracy off the tee is going to be a key factor.

The Main Men

HENRIK STENSON (15-2): The highest ranked player taking part whose two outings in this contest since 2005 have produced an eighth and a 20th. Worthy favourite based on his last time out 14th in the US Masters.

IAN POULTER (10-1): Only start in the last 10 renewals of the China Open resulted in a 29th in 2012. One to be feared if in the same frame of mind as when sharing 20th at Augusta.

JASON DUFNER (12-1): Away from the comfort zone of the US tour, the reigning PGA champion may not be quite as formidable. So he looks worth opposing at 12-1 after a missed cut at Augusta.

NICOLAS COLSAERTS (25-1): Last three appearances in this contest have produced form figures of 8-1-2 (2012). Strong claims again after returning to form when tying for second in Malaysia on Sunday.

FRANCESCO MOLINARI (25-1): Did finish sixth in the 2012 China Open and while his more recent form has been slightly below his usual standard, a fifth at Bay Hill last month is strong form in this company.

PABLO LARRAZABAL (28-1): Looks reasonably priced at 28-1 to add to his victory in Abu Dhabi in January, particularly as he has three top-10s from four recent starts in the China Open and a tied eighth last Sunday.

DANNY WILLETT (30-1): The best of three appearances in this contest is a seventh in 2011. That form and a last time out fifth in the Malaysian Open are encouraging signs.

RAFAEL CABRERA-BELLO (35-1): Failed to make it to the weekend in Kuala Lumpur last week but is worth perserving with as three of four outings prior to that had resulted in top five finishes.

ROSS FISHER (40-1): The Tshwane Open champion, who was 10th in Johannesburg prior to that victory, is a decent performer at this level. Also third in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at the beginning of December.

JULIEN QUESNE (45-1): Not very consistent from a punting angle, so it might be a good idea to side with him now after his fifth on Sunday. I think 45-1 is fair value in the context of this contest.

GREGORY BOURDY (50-1): Played in six European tour events so far in 2014 and has not missed a cut and although he has failed to register a top-10 he has managed four top-20s.

DAVID HORSEY (50-1): If he can put behind him a dismal display last week and return to the form that saw him record three top-10s and a 12th in four outings prior to that, he's in with a big shout.

EDOARDO MOLINARI (55-1): Playing reasonably well of late with five recent starts yielding a couple of top-10s, a tied 25th and two others inside the top-40.

RICHIE RAMSAY (55-1): Although he has yet to make an impression in the China Open, I liked his performance when second in the recent NH Collection Open (at a new course). I'm happy to take 55-1.

MICHAEL HOEY (70-1): Couldn't be fancied on his tournament record. However, with a second (Tshwane Open), 10th (Abu Dhabi) and 18th (Malaysian Open) in his form lines this year, he's worth considering.

HENNIE OTTO (70-1): Could be one of the longer priced contenders to go well as three top-10s feature among his last four starts this year, while he was also runner-up in the SA Open in November.

MIKKO ILONEN (80-1): Looks a little overpriced considering he finished in the top five in Qatar and Dubai earlier this year as those events had more strength in depth. I'll happily hunt down the 80-1.