Previously, if you were beaten you were out, a harsh fact of matchplay life, especially for those who had travelled from other continents, but because it is now in four groups of four, with the winner of each group progressing to the semi-finals, each player is guaranteed a minimum of three matches.
The field has been determined by world rankings, which means that no Scot is involved, although the former world champion Colin Montgomerie will be present in his capacity as European Ryder Cup captain.
“This will be very interesting viewing for me with my Ryder Cup hat on, but as anyone who knows me will suspect, a big part of me will be wishing I was out there as one of the 16 qualified players,” he said.
The first prize is more than £675,000, but because of the limited field only around £488,000 will count for the Race to Dubai order of merit. Those who finish bottom of their groups will be consoled with £100,000 of which £44,000 counts for the money list.
With less than £70,000 separating the top four of Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Paul Casey, it is still game on, with all four avoiding each other in the group stages.
Kaymer and Jeev Milkha Singh, who is in Westwood’s group, are both battling foot problems, while Casey’s injury has not been tested in competition for 11 weeks. Peter Hanson is on stand-by.
Ernie Els, winner the last time the event was played two years ago, has opted to play in the clashing Singapore Open.
