Els tipped for back-to-back wins

Ernie Els finds himself probably the hottest-ever favourite for a European tour event this week.

Four days after his victory in the Dubai Desert Classic, the 35-year-old world number three tees off tomorrow at the Qatar Masters in Doha against a field which does not contain any other member of golf’s top 50.

The next-highest ranked player is Australian left-hander Richard Green, at 52nd two places below where he needs to be to qualify for next month’s Masters.

Dubliner Paul McGinley is the only member of last September’s Ryder Cup team taking part, while also playing are former winners Paul Lawrie, Andrew Coltart, Rolf Muntz and Darren Fichardt and defending champion Joakim Haeggman.

McGinley has not won on the circuit since the 2001 Wales Open and Lawrie, Europe’s last winner of a major title in 1999, has to go back to the 2002 Wales Open for his last success.

At 69th, McGinley is still fighting to get back into the top 50 in time for the first major of the season.