It will, apparently, take more than one decidedly moderate finish to lessen the appeal of US Open champion Ernie Els. By his admission, the South African handed Tiger Woods the chance of victory in Phuket last Sunday by shooting a final round of 73.

But Ladbrokes have made Els a clear, 6 to 1 favourite to compensate for that lapse when he competes in the Heineken Classic at The Vines Resort, Perth, starting on Thursday. Most fancied Irishman is Padraig Harrington who set the course record of 63 in the second round last year.

Paul McGinley, who lost by a stroke to Ian Woosnam at The Vines in 1996, would appear to be an attractive proposition at 40 to 1.