Volvo World Match Play Semi-Final Tips: Outsiders can land the blows against mercurial opponents
Golf Bets
/ Paul Krishnamurty / 30 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Fisher can emerge triumphant again on Saturday
There are some very tough match-ups in Spain tomorrow and Paul Krishnamurty will be seeking to back outsiders in what are likely to be a pair of tight deciders
"Anthony Kim will need to be much more consistent to deal with Allenby though. The Australian's reputation as a formidable head-to-head performer goes before him; earned by winning ten of 11 career play-offs."
Robert Allenby @ [2.2] (vs Anthony Kim)
The first of the 36-hole semi-finals sees a re-run of one of the singles matches from last month's Presidents Cup. On that occasion, Kim ran out a resounding winner over Robert Allenby, but I'll be surprised if its so one-sided this time. In fact, while I'm loath to go against Kim, who was one of my pre-tournament tips, I've decided to bank my profits from that trading strategy.
We've seen both sides of the mercurial Kim this week. He was the star of day one, trouncing Paul Casey and Retief Goosen to set up what appeared to be an unassailable lead in Group A. But that was before a disjointed, nervy performance in the group decider, when the young American very nearly threw away that lead to rank outsider Scott Strange. As it turned out, a spectacular 275 yard approach to eight feet on the final hole saved Kim's bacon, reminding us in the process just why many were labelling him the 'next Tiger Woods' not so long ago.
He'll need to be much more consistent to deal with Allenby though. The Australian's reputation as a formidable head-to-head performer goes before him; earned by winning ten of 11 career play-offs. Though not the greatest putter, the Aussie is sure to be relentlessly hitting greens in regulation. I think that consistency will earn a few easily won holes against Kim, and really put the pressure on. To be fair, we saw with yesterday's finish that Kim can thrive in such situations himself, but as the outsider of two at [2.2], Allenby looks better value.
Ross Fisher @ [2.1] vs Angel Cabrera
As in the first semi-final, this one looks an extremely tight affair. Both are well suited to matchplay; Cabrera reaching the final of the last world matchplay at Wentworth; Fisher reaching the semis of this year's WGC Matchplay. Just two places separate them in the world rankings, and the same in the Race to Dubai, with Fisher slightly ahead in both.
If pushed, I'd say Cabrera's golf has been slightly superior over the first two days. It's impossible to be 100% accurate when calculating round totals in matchplay, but on the scores awarded after concessions, the Argentinian holds a two stroke advantage. None of these minor differentials are enough to form a solid argument in favour of either player in a match that will come down to performance on the day.
So while it's hard to form a confident opinion, it's probably best to back the outsider of two. Beside the fact he's the bigger price, a further factor to support Fisher may be the nature of the Finca Cortesin course. Everyone seems agreed that its a very gruelling walk, and these 36-hole matches could become a stamina test. If that's the case then the younger, and probably fitter man might enjoy an advantage.
How to claim your free £25 bet:
1. Open your account (3 mins)
2. Make a deposit into your account and place your bets
3. If you lose any of your bets, we'll cover you up to £25
Free £25 Sports Bet, Join Today
Get $10 Free for all new players. Just register a credit card to claim.
Join today and get your $10 Free at Betfair Poker
100% deposit bonus up to £50 for all new casino players. Just join and play to claim.
Join Today. Click here to claim your £50 Casino Bonus
Earn substantial rewards every time you introduce someone new to Betfair, Betfair Poker, Betfair Casino or Betfair Games
Refer and Earn Today
BBC Golf
ESPN Golf
European Tour
Golf Surround
PGA Tour
Golf news
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007



