8th February 2012

Dubai Desert Classic Betting: Simon Dyson can lead the British and Irish charge on a course he enjoys

Once again with the appearances of Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood in the field at the Dubai Desert Classic this week, the top Great Britain and Irish player market is centred around too men. Given that he is favourite for the tournament itself, it comes as no surprise that he is the 7/5 favourite with Stan James to be the top British or Irish representative this week.

Lee Westwood isn’t far behind him at the head of the market but as I mentioned when previewing the tournament, Westwood hasn’t really put himself in contention this year despite a couple of top 20 finishes in the Desert swing. He’s a lot better than that so I can only deduce there is something he isn’t happy with in his game, most probably the putter which has hampered him for a while now.

McIlroy has fared better, finishing second in Abu Dhabi with a late run, but you never really felt he was ever going to win the tournament that week. He was second to Robert Rock in that event so still wouldn’t have landed this market. With the front two opposable it’s time to look at the alternatives and last week’s winner in Qatar – Paul Lawrie – will be popular I’m sure. His record here isn’t up to much to say the least which puts me off him. Robert Rock has a couple of top 20’s in his last two appearances here and won 2 weeks ago and I wouldn’t put anyone off him but I’m taking another Englishman this week.

Simon Dyson has been very open about how he likes this Emirates golf course and will be looking for a good week to enhance his world ranking and his Ryder Cup chances for later in the year. He has two top 7 finishes here in his career and three more top 25 finishes so he has pretty solid and consistent form around here. Having won twice last year we know he’s no stranger to the latter stages of tournaments and at 20/1 I think he’s the value alternative to the main two in the Top GB&I player this week.

Back S.Dyson Top GB&Ire Player (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 21.00 with Stan James (1/5 1-4)

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