Everyone in Shanghai this week for the WGC-HSBC Champions, the world championship shared by the major golf tours. For the Europeans it is the last WGC of the year, while for the Americans it is the first, but little changes because the most important players in the world are on the pitch and all intent on asserting the superiority of their game.
First among the others the two young lions Rory McIlroy, Northern Irish and Jordan Spieth, Texan, respectively number three and number one in the world. The field is 78 players, but unfortunately does not include any Italians, not even Francesco Molinari who won this race in 2010. On the other hand, the level is stellar and the fairways will fight against champions such as Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson and title defender Dustin Johnson.
It is one of the most interesting autumn appointments and the second stage of the Final Series, the last tournaments of the European tour which will end in Dubai in two weeks. Last weekend, in Turkey, the Frenchman Victor Dubuisson won the first of the four final races, thus managing to climb several positions in the Race to Dubai, the European classification led by McIlroy.
In China the jackpot is $8,5 million; the winner will collect $1,4 million. The tournament is broadcast on Sky Sports, starting this morning until Sunday.
Of note, as far as the world of golf is concerned, the third back surgery suffered by Tiger Woods in 18 months. The American champion now seems destined to end his career here, even if from his website he promises to return to the fields as soon as possible. In reality what his friend Rory said in an interview seems more credible: "I wish Tiger to at least return to a normal life at home and in the family". That's what all his fans wish him.
