7-1 Sergio is more than a match for his rivals

Sports betting - THE World Matchplay golf at Wentworth was one of my sporting highlights of the autumn.

The treelined Surrey course produced some stunning scenery and, with the competitors fully acquainted with the lay-out, some sensational golf was guaranteed.

But times change and the tournament has a new home, at least for this year.

Spain’s Finca Cortesin course on the Costa Del Sol hosts this year’s event which starts tomorrow, and the switch of venue has coincided with a change in format.

No longer are there 16 players competing on a knock-out basis.

The golfers are split into four groups of four, playing each other once over 18 holes, with the winner of each group reaching the semi-finals.

No-one knows how the players will take to the 7,380-yard course, but stamina will be an issue as the three 18-hole matches will be followed by 36-hole semi-finals and final.

In trying to find the identity of the winner, you should first decide who is likely to have the easiest passage from the group stages.

And the player who fits the bill in my view is Sergio Garcia.

He is drawn alongside Martin Kaymer, who has only just returned to the game following foot surgery, Robert Allenby, a man for whom matchplay fails to bring the best out of his game, and Oliver Wilson, a steady player but one lacking the genius needed to thrive in this format of golf.

I am confident that the in-form Garcia will come through this group and that would give him a semi-final against Paul Casey, Retief Goosen, Anthony Kim or Scott Strange.

Over 36 holes and on current form, I would back Garcia to beat any of these players quite comfortably.

A final, perhaps against Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson or Rory McIlroy, would be on the cards and that would be tough.

But home advantage counts for a lot and with the crowds to roar him on, Sergio strikes me as a decent bet at 7-1.




CHELSEA were the main beneficiaries of some strange results in the Premier League last weekend.

With Manchester United losing at Liverpool, Spurs going down at home to Stoke and Arsenal and Manchester City throwing away two-goal leads against West Ham and Fulham, Chelsea’s 5-0 demolition of Blackburn enabled the Blues to return to the top of the table and earn a 6-4 quote for title success.

United, who look toothless up front following the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and shaky in defence under Rio Ferdinand’s guidance (or lack of it), are out to 5-2, while Arsenal are 9-2, Liverpool 11-1 and City out to 14s.

Arsenal entertain Liverpool in the Carling Cup tonight, but punters should check out the respective line-ups before getting involved in this Sky-televised tie.

I suspect Arsenal’s fringe side will be stronger than their Liverpool counterparts so it is not surprising that they are 6-5 to come out on top.

A Liverpool win and and the draw are both rated 12-5 shots.

Meanwhile, Athletic’s 2-0 win at Brighton has cut little ice with the bookies, who keep them at 14-1 to win promotion. If you fancy that bet, Boylesports and Sporting Bet will oblige.




RUGBY League’s Four Nations tournament continues this weekend when the highlight will be the clash of England and Australia.

The old rivals lock horns at Wigan on Saturday when the Aussies, not surprisingly, are 1-9 to move a step closer to the final.

England may be a touch of value at 11-2, but they will have to be at their most inspirational to upset the mighty green and golds.



THERE was much controversy and shock (or so I am told) on the X Factor on Sunday when tone-deaf John and Edward avoided elimination and girl band Miss Frank were kicked out after a sing-out with one of the competition favourites, Danyl Johnson.

Apparently, viewers are voting for J and E simply because their performances are, to put it kindly, entertaining, and for that reason they are not favourites to be booted out this weekend.

That dubious honour goes to Rachel Adedeji, who is 2-1 to be axed. John and Edward may be living on borrowed time, but are 11-4 second favourites to go.

As for Strictly Come Dancing, Corrie’s Craig Kelly is the evens favourite to be shown the door on Saturday which is hardly surprising despite his popularity with the voting public.

Mr Kelly comes over as a decent chap but, to be frank, he is to ballroom dancing what I am to ski jumping.


RECOMMENDATION: Sergio Garcia to win World Matchplay golf, 7-1 (general).