FINAL RESULT: 1-1; +4.1pts

Australia 18th, Taiwan 3rd. A pretty abysmal effort by the Australians, but the Taiwanese did us proud, climbing the leaderboard in the foursomes before holding on to a place quite comfortably. In a week when more than a few punters will be cursing the Americans and Swedes it is nice to make a small profit.

Outright plays (total staked 3pts)

I was hoping the books might overlook the Koreans, but since they haven't, and with so much guesswork required to judge the top two, it is probably best to have only a small interest in a tricky event.

Australia 1pt EW @ 25-1 Bluesq, Totesport

Sixth last year the team of Nikki Garrett and Lindsey Wright have twelve months of much better golf behind them ahead of this year's event. They enjoy team golf which the Scots have proved is a valuable asset in the format. Paddy Power offer 33-1 but only 3 places. 1/5 odds for the 4 places is the better option.

Taiwan 0.5pt EW @ 66-1 Bluesq, Totesport

Not a total stab in the dark - in 2006 and 2007 Taiwan ranked 3^rd and 2^nd in the only better-ball round; this year there will be two rounds of better-ball. Amy Hung continues as the strong partner and new colleague Yun-Jye Wei is (in theory) an improvement on Yu Ping Lin. As above watch the each way terms, 1/5 odds for the 4 places is recommended.