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Portugal the next port of call

Author: John Harris
Date: 15/10/2009
Golf betting

The Race to Dubai edges ever nearer and this week's Portugal Masters could have a large bearing on who will be crowned Europe's number one golfer this year.

By its own admission the tournament isn't the most high-profile or lucrative event on the schedule, but its position on the calendar certainly guarantees a strong field and plenty of top-class action on the famous fairways of the Algarve's Vilamoura resort.

World number eight Padraig Harrington is a late inclusion in the field which also boasts the likes of sportsbook favourite Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Soren Kjeldsen.

"It's one of those destinations where we're guaranteed great weather and are always presented with a great golf course that's in perfect condition," explained Harrington.

Westwood, McIlroy and Kjeldsen all occupy places in the top ten in the Race to Dubai standings and are hoping to string together a couple of strong finishes in order to head to the Middle East as the continent's number-one ranked player.

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Also illuminating the field are defending champion Alvaro Quiros of Spain and fellow countryman Miguel Angel Jimenez, South Africa's Retief Goosen, Major winners Paul Lawrie, Ben Curtis and Michael Campbell plus European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington.

Last week's winner in Madrid, Ross McGowan of England, has also confirmed his appearance.

To highlight the importance of the event to those battling towards the top of the standings, one only has to look back 12 months.

Robert Karlsson finished third in the Portugal Masters last season - three shots adrift of Quiros - but the 155,000 euro cheque he picked up helped him finish the season as Europe's number one.

Karlsson could be a good bet this week as he also finished third in the 2007 Portugal Masters so obviously enjoys the challenge of this particular course.

The Swede could also provide value for money as he has only just returned from an eye injury which caused him to miss five months of tour action.

England's Ross Fisher also had a strong showing last season and could be a solid each-way bet as he seeks to recapture the form which has brought him three top-ten finishes and over 1.5million euros in prize money during the course of the year.

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