European Masters

Subscribe

Miguel Angle Jimenez to beat Richard Sterne - 5 points win 10-11 (Betwin) 4-5 (general)

No problem with the class of South African Sterne, who battled back from serious injury to win his sixth European title at home earlier in the season. Recent results have also been decent, the runner-up in France and top-10 at Bridgestone an illustration of his class, however, his results at this course-specialists track are poor, with only a 14th to show for half-a-dozen efforts. Significantly that finish was in his 'glory' period, when winning four events in a couple of seasons and clearly whilst it would appear that he has the class to succeed here, he doesn't seem to be at home with the short par-4s and certainly lacks any PMA with regard to the track.

In the red corner, the Legend, Jimenez, could not have a better feeling when arriving at Crans. He has a genuine friendship with the locals, has the same hotel room and balcony every year and his lifestyle fits in perfectly with the surroundings. A more laid-back character it would be hard to meet, perfectly illustrated by his response to an interview question when leading The Open at halfway "Why? I have not the right to do it? Only the young people can do it?" Jimenez said. "Why? I'm fine. We keep playing golf and still get myself on the golf course, and that's the secret. Enjoy yourself what you do in life. That's what I'm doing."  As for the actual results, one win in 2010 and eight top-10s make this one of the Spaniard's most favourite of places and he seems to have fully recovered from his hand injury from a few months ago. 4th at the BMW, eventual 13th at The Open after a brilliant opening couple of rounds, and top-5 at Bridgestone show that the 49-year-old isn't ready for the Senior Tour yet, and he could also take confidence from fellow oldie Thomas Bjorn's fabulous final round of 62 to win in 2011. The putting ranking has returned to a consistently high level, he knows the course almost blindfolded and whilst there have been a few changes, rest assured very few players will arrive at the first tee with better PMA.  

With Sterne we are guessing if he finally takes to the track yet with Legend we have no worries. Expected to be top-10 at least, the only recent blemish is last year's 11th, and that was after a very uncharacteristic opening 77 (before you ask, I was on) prior to a fantastic effort over the weekend. I went much shorter in the matchup and he really should be winning this.