Cyprus Open preview: TV times and betting tips
The European Tour moves to the Mediterranean this week for the inaugural Cyprus Open – the first of a two-week swing on the island.
Cyprus Open: The details
Venue: Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort, Kouklia, Cyprus
Date: October 29-November 1, 2020
Course stats: Par 70; 6,877 yards
Course summary: This short, parkland track is a picturesque Mediterranean paradise that shouldn’t pose Europe’s top players too many problems. The fairways are generously wide, with large multi-tiered greens and pot bunkers dotted around for protection. Wind is one of the main defences on a course where scores could go very low if conditions are calm.
Purse: $1 million
Defending champion: N/A (inaugural event)
Cyprus Open: TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sport Golf from 9.30am
Friday: Sky Sport Golf and Main Event from 9.30am
Saturday: Sky Sport Golf from 10am
Sunday: Sky Sport Golf from 9.30am
Cyprus Open: Staking plan
Antoine Rozner – 1.5pt e/w @ 40/1 with bet365
Rozner arrives in Cyprus off the back of an excellent performance in Italy, where he secured at T10 finish thanks to a 7-under final round. Although perhaps going under the radar in recent weeks, Rozner has some excellent form with two top-10 finishes in four events. A recent 3rd at Valderrama gives us confidence that he can cope with the wind if it gets up, but equally he demonstrated last week that he can score low when given the opportunity. The Frenchman ranks 7th on tour for SG: Approach, which will certainly be an advantage here, and 15th for SG: Total, which further highlights the consistency of his game right now. At this price, Rozner demonstrates excellent value for a player in great form of late.
Sami Valimaki- 1.25pt e/w @ 50/1 with bet365
A run of three consecutive top-10 finishes for Valimaki recently demonstrated the quality he possesses, and after a promising 13th place finish at the BMW PGA Championship I like his chances here at a big price. Valimaki currently ranks 38th for GIR and 5th for SG: Putting, so course suitability shouldn’t be a problem on this new track. He also performs well off the tee, ranking inside the top 50 for distance and accuracy, allowing him to navigate his way successfully around this shorter course. Wind management won’t be a problem as evidenced by a solid performance at Valderrama, so there is very little not to like about this selection.
Connor Syme – 1.25pt e/w @ 50/1 with bet365
The young Scotsman made quite an impression during the UK swing, with three consecutive top-20 finishes including when 3rd at Celtic Manor. An impressive 8th place finish at Valderrama adds confidence to the wind factor of this selection, and his stats suggest this course could really suit him. Syme ranks 8th on tour for GIR, 8th for Driving Accuracy, and 10th for Sand Saves. His putting is often inconsistent, but if he can get into his groove on the greens he could be a great shout this week.
Jorge Campillo – 1pt e/w @ 60/1 with bet365
Campillo has the capabilities to be one of the best all-round players on the European Tour. Two wins so far add credibility to that claim, and some strong performances recently demonstrate he isn’t far from adding another. Despite a couple of disappointing efforts recently, It isn’t that long since Campillo secured four consecutive top 20 finishes, including three in the top 10. His statistics on tour suggest he is playing relatively consistent golf at the moment, without reaching his best, and it is hard to ignore a player who clearly knows how to win.
For more prices, visit bet365.
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