Betting against Bernhard Langer when the European Tour arrives in Germany is not usually prudent as the German appears to relish the pressure attached to performing on home shores.

His performance at last week's Smurfit European Open in the K Club and, in particular, a superb 65 suggests that he may justify any financial expectations for the BMW International Open in Munich. With Lee Westwood a confirmed non-starter and Colin Montgomerie struggling, Langer's chances are further augmented.

The Scot flattered to deceive in the final major of the year, the recent PGA Championship, after a promising opening and proved thoroughly out of sorts at the KClub, highlighted by a failure to make the cut after shooting a 79.

Langer's most substantial challenge could come from Ireland's Darren Clarke, whose gritty performance in Kildare moved him ever closer to the Volvo Order of Merit pace-setter, stablemate West wood. The big Dungannon man was unhappy with several aspects of his game yet managed to finish in the top five.

European Open winner, Swede Mathias Gronberg, waltzed to an impressive triumph but it would be asking a great deal for him to sustain that level of golf for a second week.

Those seeking better value might consider the experienced Costantino Rocca and Sam Torrance, who have both been showing reasonable form of late and were again prominent at the K Club.

Expect one or both to manage a victory before the end of the season.