Fantasy Focus: McIlroy and Spieth in China

The world no. 2 and 3 will face off in Shanghai

Two of the top three in the world rankings will compete for the WGC-HSBC Champions.

McIlroy and Spieth in China

Let's start Fantasy Focus by giving you the bonus code for this week, allowing you one extra transfer: Charl7chwartzel - valid until Wednesday at 23:59

 

Spectators at this week's WGC-HSBC Champions are in for a treat. Not only will Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth be the main attraction, but Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson will all be in the field too.

While Bubba Watson will defend the title he won at the Sheshan International GC last year, PGA Tour regulars Danny Lee, Paul Casey and Chris Kirk will also be involved in Shanghai.

There will be a strong English presence, including British Masters winner Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, James Morrison and Ross Fisher.

Only players competing in the WGC-HSBC Champions field will be eligible for selection this week.

 

LISTEN: Our post-Turkish Airlines Open podcast

 

 

GM Tips for this week

USA 1: Rickie Fowler - A win for Fowler would do even more to cement his place as a serious contender for a major next year. He arrives with a win, T4, T12 and T25 in his last four tournaments.

USA 2: Bubba Watson - Given he won this tournament last year, you'd have to back Watson to be in contention again this week. He finished T5 in his last event at the Tour Championship.

Great Britain: Paul Casey - The Englishman finished T24 at the CIMB Classic at the weekend. He may be more accustomed to the PGA Tour these days, but he has the quality to compete at the right end of the leaderboard.

Ireland: Rory McIlroy - A strong T6 finish at the Turkish Airlines Open is something to build on for McIlroy. If he can correct the mistakes of last week there will be few in the field capable of beating him.

Scandinavia: Henrik Stenson - The Swede will be eager to bounce back from his T47 at the CIMB Classic. He posted a 67 in the second round, but found the 70s for the other three. His game never seems far away from being tournament-winning standard, so expect him to challenge this week.

Rest of Europe: Bernd Wiesberger - He may be a little out of form, but Wiesberger does have a T4 among his last three results. He won the French Open earlier this year and has shown he can put a strong run together.

Asia: Thongchai Jaidee - Normally a reliable performer, Jaidee won the recent Porsche European Open. He also finished T26 at the weekend, which gives him room for improvement heading into this week's event.

Africa: Branden Grace - The South African finished T17 at the CIMB Classic. He performed well on the big stage this year, including T4 at the US Open and third at the USPGA Championship, and could be set for another strong result.

Australasia: Marc Leishman - It's been a mixed year for Leishman, but there is evidence that he could be a contender this week. He had four top 10s on the PGA Tour and lost out in a play-off at The Open. If he can start well he could make a genuine challenge.

South America: Emiliano Grillo - One win and a missed cut in two tournaments means Grillo will need to work on his consistency. However, that victory at the Frys.com Open will give him belief heading into Thursday.

Will Medlock graduated from UEA with a degree in Film and Television before completing a Masters in Sports Journalism at St Mary's in London. Will has had work published by The Independent and the Rugby Paper.