Jimenez and Molinari claim one-two and boost Europe’s Ryder hopes
Published:Colin Montgomerie will be almost as pleased as Miguel Angel Jimenez after the Spaniard claimed the European Masters title by three shots today.
The victory was Jimenez’s third on the tour this year and provided a timely boost for Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, who will be able to select the 46-year-old during the clash with the USA, which starts on October 1st.
A veteran of three Ryder Cup events, the world number 38 does not have the best of records in the tournament, having only won three and a half points out of a possible 12.
But given his fine form – he carded a final round score of four under par in Switzerland to finish on 21 under for the tournament – and wealth of experience, Jimenez could be a worth a wager to be the highest European points scorer at Celtic Manor in Wales.
At 33/1, he has the longest price of any of the 12 on Montgomerie’s team, but his display this weekend has made that look generous.
Edoardo Molinari was one of Montgomerie’s captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup and the Italian showed why with another impressive performance.
The world number 15 ended up second on 18 under par after a final-round 67, which included a sparkling eagle at the par five 15th.
Molinari has enjoyed an incredible year to date, with two maiden victories on the European Tour, and was selected by Montgomerie ahead of the established Paul Casey after winning the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles last month.
The 29-year-old is 12/1 to collect the most points for Europe in his first ever Ryder Cup.
Europe are the 8/13 favourites to win back the Ryder Cup and given their team members’ continuing fine form that price should be tempting.
