• The Betting Bunker

Davies to keep the Welsh flag flying

Will Rhys Davies be celebrating on Sunday? © Getty Images

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Click here to bet on the Wales Open at bet365

We hit the crossbar last week, with Lee Westwood pipped to PGA Championship victory in a play-off, but followers of the Bunker still picked up on their each-way investment and we will now look for a hat-trick of pick-ups at this week's Wales Open.

Graeme McDowell is the overwhelming favourite to defend the title he won 12 months ago. The victory at Celtic Manor set the Ulsterman on the road to a stunning run of form that culminated with him securing the winning point in the Ryder Cup, which followed on from his success in the US Open.

McDowell really did have a stellar time in 2010 and the field 12 months ago was stronger than is on show this time around, as among other players he fended off current world No. 1 Luke Donald. It is clear that the Twenty Ten Course suits McDowell's eye - as he carded rounds of 64 and 63 on Saturday and Sunday to secure glory last year.

Bunker bullets

• Rhys Davies E/W for the Wales Open- 22/1 at bet365
• Nicklas Fasth E/W for the Wales Open - 75/1 at bet365

But the bookmakers are well aware of his liking for the course, his standing as the highest player in the world rankings by a full 21 places in the field (Miguel Angel Jimenez is next in the rankings at 26), and his desire to defend his title as he is 12/1 with bet365.

As such, the Bunker feels the value is to look elsewhere. There are a number of boxes we like to tick off when seeking out our selection and course form, current form and desire are three that rank highly. And in Rhys Davies, we have a player that ticks all three boxes with a huge permanent marker.

Davies chased home McDowell 12 months ago and in many years a closing round of 62 would have been good enough to secure victory. That effort was no one-off as Davies claimed a top-20 finish behind Jeppe Huldahl in 2009.

Current form is something that Davies can boast, as he took 18th in an all-star field at the PGA Championship, and he has shown up well in most events since missing the cut at the Qatar Masters in February.

The Welsh contingent is strong, with Jamie Donaldson and Bradley Dredge bringing decent form into the event, and backed by what is likely to be a vocal home crowd we feel Davies, at 22/1, is too big a price to pass up.

For those who are keen to go for broke with a huge-price, then look no further than Nicklas Fasth. The Swede was a creditable ninth last year, having been runner-up in 2009, and do not write too much into his missed cut at the PGA Championship as Wentworth caught out many players.

Fasth's season is nothing to write home about, but he is playing catch up with regard to his rivals as his season did not start until April and a return to a track he clearly likes could kick-star his campaign. And at the 75/1 that is on offer, it is worth the risk.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

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