Shenzhen International preview picks & analysis

CHINA hosts the European Tour this week, with Bubba Watson heading the field in the inaugural Shenzhen International. Having handed over the Green Jacket and the title of Masters champion to Jordan Spieth, Watson now flies halfway around the world to a country that holds good memories for him.

He won the 2014 WGC-HSBC Champions title in Shanghai in spectacular fashion last November, holing a bunker shot on the 72nd hole to force a play-off with Tim Clark, which he won courtesy of a birdie on the first extra hole. One can only imagine that the organisers must have offered Watson a tasty appearance fee for making such an arduous trip immediately after competing in his favourite major.

If he is anywhere close to his best, Watson will take some stopping. Most of Europe's top players are giving this event a miss, but those who have been clicking their heels for the best part of three weeks will have been working hard and should be desperate to get back into action.

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It would be no surprise if Bubba was a victor again in China

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Tommy Fleetwood had gone off the boil somewhat and was disappointed not to make the field at Augusta. It would be a big surprise if he has not ironed out the kinks back home at Southport, and he is a good traveller.

Romain Wattel, a winner last time out, will have watched The Masters on television, believing it is his destiny to be playing in such exalted circles before much longer. He will already have his sights on the 2016 Ryder Cup and we should make the most of him as he will surely be heading for the PGA Tour before long. Peter Uihlien is somebody I expected to made further progress by now. Having come to Europe, secured his card and won on Tour, his game has stalled. But the American possesses far too much talent to be in the doldrums for long.

Unfortunately, Matteo Manassero finds himself in the same boat, and the harder he tries to get out of his slump, the worse he seems to get. Never a long hitter, the young Italian made the mistake of trying to bulk up and to discover a way of hitting the ball further. After achieving so much success early in his career, it is a total mystery why he would have wanted to change things. Logic dictates that he should bounce back, and although nobody is holding their breath, he should take heart from what Oliver Wilson achieved last year. Wilson is also in the field in China, looking to push on from his victory at St Andrews.

My fancy is Alavro Quiros, who is fit and hitting ball really well once more. A return to the winners' enclosure is long overdue for the popular Spaniard.

Shenzhen International Betting Picks

To win: Alvaro Quiros 20/1: One of the few players capable of outhitting Bubba

Each way: Romain Wattel 16/1: A class performer

Each way: Bubba Watson 6/1: Get ready for fireworks

Shenzhen International Fantasy Picks

Alvaro Quiros 20/1: Far too long since his last win

Romain Wattel 16/1: We should enjoy this Frenchman while we can

Richie Ramsay 18/1: Bursting with confidence

Tommy Fleetwood 18/1: Hard work is sure to have paid off

Chris Wood 33/1: Slowly coming back to his best

Felipe Aguilar 50/1: Always in with a shout

Andy Sullivan 25/1: He's won in South Africa, so why not China?

Alex Noren 16/1: Has put injury nightmare behind him

Alexander Levy 18/1: Another Frenchman to set the pulses racing