Thomas Detry is widely regarded as one of the best players on the European Tour, but the gifted Belgian is still waiting for his maiden victory and he tees up in this week’s Cyprus Showdown getting increasingly desperate for a breakthrough.
Detry had another chance in last week’s Cyprus Open, but a seven at the third hole effectively ended his challenge. He made five birdies from there to the clubhouse, but had to settle for tenth place.
The 27-year-old has twice finished runner-up on the European Tour post-lockdown, getting twitchy when a trophy was within his grasp, so the unique format of the Cyprus Showdown could suit him. Scores will be reset after rounds two and three in this two-cut tournament, so Sunday will be an 18-hole shootout with all players starting tied.
All-out-attack mode will be required from everyone on Sunday, which will suit Detry’s style of play, so the 25/1 next to his name may be tempting for many.
Hojgaard Bids to Overcome Jet Lag
Rasmus Hojgaard was a surprise entrant in the Cyprus Showdown given he was competing in the Bermuda Championship on the PGA Tour last week. The Danish youngster will have to overcome a significant amount of jet lag, having spent a day trekking from Southampton, Bermuda to Paphos, Cyprus.
Punters must decide whether the 28/1 for Hojgaard is fair in the circumstances. His European Tour form is magnificent – he returned from lockdown with results of second, sixth, third and first – but four rounds in Bermuda for a share of 37th place is hardly ideal preparation for the Showdown.
Hojgaard won the UK Championship at the end of August – his second Tour title – and is expected to become one of the best players in the world. The 19-year-old will be among the favourites on Sunday if he qualifies for the final round at Aphrodite Hills Resort.
Higgo May Continue Improvement
Garrick Higgo has quickly established himself on the European Tour, winning the Portugal Open and greatly impressing elsewhere, and the South African left-hander could be set for a quick follow-up in the Cyprus Showdown.
Higgo finished third in the Cyprus Open on Sunday, ending the week ninth in the putting statistics, and the 21-year-old’s comfort on the Aphrodite Hills greens makes him a serious contender for the Showdown.
Higgo closed with three consecutive birdies on Sunday, leaving Aphrodite Hills in high spirits, and he has returned to the same venue this week knowing that he should be among the favourites.
The task of Higgo – available at 28/1 – is to battle his way through both the cuts before saving his best form for Sunday.
Something in the low-60s will probably be required for victory in the final round – and there has to be a strong possibility of a playoff given that at least 16 players will be tied for the lead from the starting gates. Hotshot Higgo could be last man standing.
*All odds correct at time of writing