Wounded Tiger set to show his claws

LEE Westwood assumed the mantle of world No. 1 last weekend – but his new-found status could come under threat in this weekend’s WGC-HSBC Championship in China.

This megabucks golfing showdown between the best players on the planet has assumed extra significance with Tiger Woods down to number two following a shocking season overshadowed by personal problems.

Woods will be a wounded Tiger this weekend. His pride will be badly hurt by the loss of his top-dog status and the motivation to get back to the top of the rankings will be fierce.

That in itself will not be enough. Form is even more important and that is one luxury which has deserted Woods for the best part of 18 months.

But there were signs during the recent Ryder Cup that the swing changes he has made with coach Sean Foley are beginning to bear fruit.

A Woods revival is likely to happen sooner rather than later and the 8-1 about him winning at the Sheshan International course in Shanghai could look very juicy come Sunday.

Certainly, he is worth chancing at his current odds as Woods in normal form would be around 5-2 for this event.

As for Westwood, his season has been curtailed by a calf injury and although he is reported to be on the mend, his lack of recent competition makes him worth swerving at 18-1.

The hugely-talented Phil Mickelson is so in and out that 11-1 makes little appeal, but in-form Martin Kaymer is a threat to all and 16-1 is fair.

However, to back up our Woods bet I am going for Graeme McDowell at 25-1.

The reigning US Open champion, Ryder Cup hero and last week’s Andalucia Masters winner continues to be underrated by the odds layers.

He is one of the more likely winners in the Shanghai field and few players go into the event with more confidence.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Tiger Woods to win WGC-HSBC Championship, 8-1 (Blue Square, Paddy Power); Graeme McDowell, e.w., 25-1 (general).