BMW Asian Open preview

The Asian Open in Shanghai will showcase a strong field that includes South African duo Ernie Els and Retief Goosen as well as defending champion Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.

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Tournament: BMW Asian Open

Course: Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC

Prize Fund: $2,300,000

Course Details: Par 72, 7,326 yards. This Shunsuke Kate design is set to provide a breath-taking backdrop to part of the Asian leg of the European tour. Kate hopes that the course?s mixture of English naturalness and Japanese elegance will ensure an exciting spectacle for all.

Key Hole: The short par 4 17th should not be taken lightly. At 356 yards, on paper it looks like a certain birdie opportunity. In reality though, many players will fall foul of the large bunker to the right of the green, and see their dreams of lifting the trophy disappear as well.

Retief Goosen will be well fancied for victory when he begins his campaign in Shanghai. Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie will hope to put their Masters ordeals behind them, whilst 2006 champion Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano is a dark horse for the title. Paul Casey heads the English challenge and John Daly makes a rare European tour appearance.

Contenders: Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, Paul Casey

BETTING GUIDE: For betting tips from our expert Paul Krishnamurty click here

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