Matsumara may find form on favoured course

World number seven Hideki Matsuyama, who won the WGC-HSBC Champions title on his last outing, tees up as 13-8 favourite in his homeland this week for the Japan Tour’s Taiheiyo Masters.

Matsuyama, Taiheiyo victor at the 7,246-yard, par-72, Gotemba Course in 2011, should prove incredibly tough to beat when the action starts at 11.30pm UK and Ireland time on Wednesday night if he applies himself.

The each-way value lies with five-time Japan Tour champion Michio Matsumura. The 33-year-old has been quiet this term but could spark back to life at a venue he loves.

Matsumura was fourth in the 2008 Taiheiyo Masters, second in 2012 and sixth in 2014. He has won a tournament in each of the previous three seasons on the Japan Tour.

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M Matsumara
0.5pt each-way 100-1 Paddy Power, Sky Bet