Fasth lane for success at Volvo Masters

When Ernie Els decided to commit to a money-spinning invitational in Singapore he signed away the possibility of protecting his European Order of Merit lead in the final week of the European Tour season. Now, his worst fears will be realised if one of the chasing pack get their act together in one last dramatic twist at the Volvo Masters. Padraig Harrington pipped Paul Casey to the title in an exciting finish at Valderrama last year and the Irishman could do the same to Els this time around at the Volvo Masters if he musters another fantastic four rounds to cap an extraordinary year. The Open Winner's share of second made him Europe's No 1 last time out and the same outcome, or third, will see him pinch the Harry Vardon from under the Big Easy's nose. However, by his own admission Harington is not firing on all cylinders and 11/1 with SportingBet seems too restrictive even by his battling standards. Justin Rose needs to finish above Harrington to take the European Order of Merit, but after homing in on the coveted No 1 spot Rose has started to wilt. The other two in the running to oust Els are Henrik Stenson and Niclas Fasth. Perhaps it's because it's the Volvo Masters that the Swedes step their game up a gear for this tournament. Stenson, who is 18/1 with SportingBet, was ninth there last year and is back in form after coming third at the PGA World Matchplay. He needs to come first at the Volvo Masters and hope Harrington and Rose miss out on runners-up spot to claim the European Order of Merit. It's a similar story for Fasth who needs to win and for Harrington and Rose to finish lower than third. Having come fifth 12 months ago and seventh the year before, the 16/1 with SportingBet may see Fasth be the man to swoop in, as he seems to be timing his run well after three top-ten finishes in his last four outings. Others in the running for success in Spain include Alistair Forsyth and yet another Swede, Fredrik Andersson Hed. Both have played into form over recent weeks and don't have the added pressure of the Order of Merit race. 50/1 shot Forsyth has sealed two top fours in his last five tournaments, while Andersson Hed has fared even better, managing three top fives in the same number of sorties. Don't be surprised if this is the Swede who drives off with the Volvo at odds of 40/1. Verdict: 2pts Fasth e/w @ 16/1 (SportingBet); 2pts Andersson Hed @ 40/1 (SportingBet); 1pt Forsyth e/w @ 50/1 (SportingBet); 0.5pt Fasth to win Order of Merit title @ 50/1 (SportingBet)