Spanish Open golf form guide: Main candidates

After last week's blustery Ballantine's Championship in South Korea, The Race to Dubai returns to European soil for the Spanish Open and Paul Krishnamurty takes a look at the men who could taste victory in Seville

MAIN CANDIDATES

FRANCESCO MOLINARI Considering he hasn't won for four years, repeatedly falling short when in contention, it seems strange that Francesco is a much shorter price than his prolific brother. He's clearly got a decent chance as he was third on this course last year, but the tournament favourite makes no appeal whatsover as a betting proposition.   ALVARO QUIROS Classy though he is, big-hitting Quiros looks very much one to oppose around this layout. On a course where he can open his shoulders and attack, Quiros is a match for most, but any advantage in the power department should be neutralised here by the penal rough.   MIGUEL-ANGEL JIMENEZ Home favourite Jimenez must rate an obvious candidate on a course where he's gone pretty well in the past two years, finishing fourth and 14th. His 2010 form has been inconsistent, but 'The Mechanic' proved he retains all his old class by winning the Dubai Desert Classic, and finishing an excellent 12th last time out in the Masters.   THOMAS LEVET Levet is defending champion, and while that came on a different course, there is nothing to suggest Sevilla won't be just as suitable. This very accurate player is short-listed after consecutive top 20s, and also reaching that mark in last year's Andalucia Open here.   OLIVER FISHER At last Fisher is beginning to fulfil his potential with five straight top tens. The bookies are leaving nothing to chance though, quoting just 33/1 on a non-winner, but given that he was rated more or less equal to Rory McIlroy not so long ago, it would take a brave man to write off young Oliver when he's in such good form.

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