Italian Open golf form guide: other candidates

OTHERS CANDIDATES

MATTEO MANASSERO One of this week's highlights is the professional debut of 16-year-old Manassero, fresh from an outstanding 36th in the Masters. Given that he also finished 13th in the Open as a 15-year-old, Manassero is clearly one hell of a prospect. To win in front of his home fans would truly be fairytale stuff, but the pressure will be immense.   THOMAS AIKEN Last year's fifth is usually near the head of the driving distance stats, and comes into the argument on the basis of a recent third place in Morocco.   NICOLAS COLSAERTS If it wasn't for much reduced odds, Colsaerts would have made the staking plan. He is driving the ball further than anyone in this field right now, and both top tens in Spain and China owed much to some superb greens in regulation stats.   JOOST LUITEN With three consecutive top 20s, this fine prospect looks on the verge of making big strides. Luiten could well win in the forthcoming weeks.   GREGORY BOURDY Bourdy is rapidly becoming a very consistent European Tour performer, making the top 15 in five of his last last ten events. We've seen previously that the Frenchman has an excellent temperament when in contention, so he certainly comes into this argument.   SIMON DYSON Following a poor run in top-class US events, Dyson immediately returned to a competitive level back in Europe with 17th last week. He's a big price at 40/1 on last season's exploits.   IGNACIO GARRIDO With five consecutive top 25s, Garrido remains in good form. He simply never seems to come up with the goods when carrying this column's cash though.   RAPHAEL JACQUELIN Jacquelin was runner-up here last year, and returned to form with third place last week. Given that he hadn't previously made a top 20 all year, that might yet prove to be a flash in the pan.   ROBERT ROCK Rock shared the runner-up spot last year with Jacquelin, during the best period of what has so far been a frustrating career. His numbers this year are much less impressive, but the emphasis here on driving distance does suit his talents.   MARCUS FRASER Fraser will have his supporters after an easy win in the Ballantines Championship. Having waited seven years since his last triumph, I'd want a lot more than 66/1 about the Aussie winning back to back.   2010 STATS: -60pts   LONG-TERM ALREADY ADVISED   20pts TIGER WOODS TO WIN EXACTLY TWO MAJORS @ 5/1 8pts TIGER WOODS TO WIN EXACTLY THREE MAJORS @ 14/1

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