Shenzhen International Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

THIS week sees the European Tour land in China for a two-week stopover, starting with the Shenzhen International at Shenzhen Genzon Golf Club with a $2.8m prize fund. Next week they all head to Shanghai for the Volvo China Open.

With Danny Willett's famous victory at The Masters still fresh in everybody's minds, it is fair to say that the tour is on something of a high right now. Willett is taking a well-earned break after adding the Green Jacket to his victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, but that takes nothing away from a top-class field.

One player who will be hoping that a return to this part of the world signals a return to his best form in Alexander Levy, of France, who won the China Open in 2014 during an unforgettable season. He would be the first to admit that he suffered something of a hangover in 2015, but Levy is still only 25 years old and is best is yet to come.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat is the defending champion and I fancy his chances of another victory. He is rapidly becoming one of the best golfers in the world, able to produce his best form no matter the course or the conditions. The Thai golfer had an excellent Masters and clearly loves playing golf. He has an uncomplicated golf swing and is one of those players who hits it, goes and finds it and hits it again. One day, he will realised that the best results are achieved through a strategic approach but until he does, we should simply enjoy watching him.

Bubba Watson has accepted an invitation to play, but the problem with the big-hitting left-hander is that you never quite know which Bubba is going to turn up. Will it be the one who was so rude to the entire French population a couple of years ago, or will it be the charm personified Bubba who cries when he wins in the United States? If truth be told, he generally doesn't travel especially well, but he has won in this part of the world before and he will be looking for a big week after a disastrous Masters.

There is a group of potentially world-class young South African golfers plying their trade on the European Tour just now. We all know about Brandon Grace, but Haydn Porteous and Brandon Stone are two youngsters worth keeping an eye on. They have both already won this year and I have a feeling that Stone is destined for BIG things in the years ahead.

SSP Chawrasia, winner of the Indian Open, plays his best golf in Asia. Riding the crest of a wave at present, he will arrive in China bursting wioth confidence. But what the Chinese fans really want is a home winner, and in Li Haotong they may just get their wish. He lost to Aphibarnrat in a playoff 12 months ago and although he is still only 20 years old, he already has four tournament victories to his credit and is performing with credit on the Web.com Tour, which is the second-tier tour in America. Chinese golf will go through the roof if it can produce a major winner, and it is bound to happen one day. Li could be the golfer to do it. 

Sweden's Kristoffer Broberg will also be looking forward to returning to China after recording his maiden win at the BMW Masters in Shanghai, beating the redoubtable Patrick Reed in a playoff. 

And there are some European Tour regulars in need a really good tournament, Tommy Fleetwood, Romain Wattel and Victor Dubuisson among them. Dubuisson is an enigma, brilliant one moment, dreadful the next. He feeds off confidence and when he gets his nose in front is very difficult to beat but for a man of his undoubted gifts, he doesn't get into contention as often as he should.

Shenzhen International Picks & Betting Tips

To win:

Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Looking to kick on to the next level

Each way:

Alexander Levy. Victory is overdue

Each way:

Brandon Stone. Could be the pick of the young South Africans

Shenzhen International Fantasy Picks

Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Enjoy him while you can - PGA Tour beckons

Alexander Levy. Talent in spades

Brandon Stone. Glorious golf swing

Victor Dubuisson. Sublime short game

Li Haotong. Carrying the hopes of a nation

Scott Hend. Plays his best in Asia

Brett Rumford. Fit again and in form

Joost Luiten. Too good not to win again soon

Thorbjorn Olesen. Classy Scandinavian

SSP Chawrasia. Gutsy Indian player