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English pair are Europe's best bet to end lean Masters run

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Paul Krishnamurty is in impatient mood this week as he demands that Europe's top golfers live up to their reputation and win a US major. Why not the Masters?

It seems a long time since the Masters was regularly referred to as the most likely Major to produce a European winner; but back in the 80s and 90s, there was no disputing such a statement. In those two decades, European raiders came home with the Green Jacket on no fewer than 11 occasions. However, it has been nine years now since Jose-Maria Olazabal's second Masters title, and while that run can be partially attributed to Tiger's dominance, it should also be noted that no European has finished second either during that period.

Obviously its true to an extent that Europe hasn't produced a golfing superstar to match the exploits of Ballesteros, Faldo or even Langer. But then it's not just legends that win Majors - Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam only fleetingly resided at the very top of the game, and last year's winner Zach Johnson was certainly no superstar. Seeing as European golf has never enjoyed such strength in depth as today, I can't help but feel we're overdue.

It is of course going to be particularly difficult this year, with most experts in agreement that 2008 represents Woods' best chance of a Grand Slam to date. But if Tiger does offer an opening to the rest, there are several Brits and continental Europeans who have good reason to fancy their chances. With just six weeks to go till Augusta, now seems an opportune moment to assess the chances of some our leading contenders.

Justin Rose

Rose finished as top European in 3rd place last year, a performance that kick-started what became by far his most impressive season to date. On the basis of his 2008 form, the highlight of which was winning the Order of Merit from just 12 counting events, Rose would hold strong chances anywhere against any opposition. The downside is that he has started the new campaign very poorly over the past three weeks. Time is running out for him to return to his best form, and unless he wins before Augusta I expect his odds will drift from the current quote of [36.0].

Padraig Harrington

The Open champion just retains his top-10 spot in the world rankings despite failing to win since that memorable date last July. With a magical short game, Pod should theoretically be suited by Augusta but surprisingly has never seriously challenged there with just two top-10s from eight visits. His golf so far in 2008 has been solid if unspectacular, and even if he finds the necessary improvement in the weeks ahead, I'd find it hard to make a strong case for the Irishman at just [34.0].

Luke Donald

Donald's impressive Masters record goes some way to crushing the idea that only the big-hitters can prosper around Augusta. Luke's lack of distance has been a regular handicap, but surprisingly his best efforts in Majors to date have come in the Masters. He put in a hugely impressive debut in 2005, finishing 3rd, and was on the fringes of contention last year before fading to 10th. After a disappointing run, two consecutive top-3 strokeplay finishes on the PGA Tour suggest the Englishman has found his best form once again. In my view, he holds the best British chance at odds around [60.0].

Henrik Stenson

The early front-runner for the Order of Merit has been widely tipped as a future Masters winner, not least because of his prodigious length off the tee. Stenson was the subject of a sustained pre-tournament gamble last year, before finishing a respectable 17th. His game certainly looks tailor-made for Augusta's par-5s and were he to win in the run-up to Augusta, I suspect his odds could collapse once again. He is currently [55.0] to win on Betfair.

Paul Casey

Inconsistency since the middle of 2007 has seen Casey's star eclipsed by several of his Ryder Cup team-mates, but he remains a top prospect not to be under-estimated. As an extremely long-hitter and confident putter, there are few players better suited to this course's demands than Casey as his record shows. He's a much improved player than when managing an excellent 6th place on his Augusta debut in 2004. 10th last year was another good effort, and re-affirmed my belief that Casey very much has what it takes to win a Major in the States. Trading around [80.0] in the Betfair market, he represents the best current outside bet in my view.