While the golfers arrive for the prestigious Barclays Singapore Open, we take a look at the players to watch at Serapong course.

By Eugene YS Han

Phil Mickelson
World Ranking: 2

Why: The affable Mickelson is a popular man wherever he goes and it's no different in Singapore. It helps a little that you are the world number two and the top seed at the Barclays Singapore Open. Mickelson reclaimed the number two spot after beating Tiger Wooods at the TOUR Championships in September.

Chances: Lefty is expected to do well on his third appearance at Sentosa Golf Club if he conquers the tropical heat. After finishing ninth last year, Mickelson will be hoping to improve and perhaps be in the final group on Sunday.

Padriag Harrington
World Ranking: 6

Why: Harrington's form may be patchy this year. He reached a new low when he missed the cut in eight tournaments this year including the US Open. But as they say, beware of the wounded, erm ... tiger. Harrington, when the three-time champion is in his element, is still considered a major force.

Chances: Padriag Harrington's form has dipped alarmingly since his last win in the PGA Championship in 2008. His form seemed to have recovered in August this year after he finished second in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational behind Tiger Woods. Since then, he has had one more second place finish and he came in third at last week's Portugal Masters. Still without a win in 2009, you can be sure that the Irishman will be fired up to win his first tournament of the year in Singapore where he finished runner-up last year to Jeev Milkha Singh.

Ernie Els
World Ranking: 22

Why: A perennial fans' favourite in Singapore where perhaps his reputation precedes him a little. Els is a two-time US Open winner ('94, '97) and also won the Open Championship in 2002.

Chances: Ranked 22 in the world, the South African has gone close on two occasions in Singapore: Losing a playoff to Adam Scott in 2006 and finishing third last year. He will be hoping it will be third time lucky this year and go on and lift the trophy at the Serapong Course.

KJ Choi
World Rankings: 73

Why: The leading Asian player on the world circuit and the favourite to be the first Asian to win a major until a certain YE Yang upstaged him. He is the first Korean to earn a PGA Tour card in 1999 and is considered a trailblazer for Asians on the international stage. Choi, who has won seven PGA titles, also commands a strong following in Asia.

Chances: Choi ended an 18-month title drought after his victory at the Johor Open last week. Now buoyed with confidence, the 39-year-old will be aiming to continue his winning momentum into Singapore.

Adam Scott
World Ranking: 76

Why: The 29-year-old Australian is a two-time Barclays Singapore Open champion and has been heralded as the heir of Greg ‘The Shark' Norman. He also has the looks of a super model (and has a girlfriend with super model looks too).

Chances: Once ranked as high as third in the world in 2007, Scott has seen his form and rankings drop. Now ranked a lowly 76th in the world and his last tournament win came on 27 April 2008 in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. Last year he crashed out of this event after missing the cut by three shots. But Scott's still a sentimental favourite in the Lion City and will have his die-hard fans in close support but will do well with a top five finish.

Chapchai Nirat
World Rankings: 231

Why: One of more easily recognised Thai golfer on the Asian Tour circuit, he has the booming strokes to go with his booming frame. Chapchai was commended by Phil Mickelson after his faultless displays in the Singapore Open last year.

Chances: Chapchai wowed Asian fans after he led an impressive field by three strokes on the final day last year. Chapchai, nicknamed "King Kong" by his fellow pros, seemed to be weighed down by king-sized expectations and eventually collapsed to finish seventh. He has vowed not to buckle under pressure a second time when he is in contention for the title this year.

* ESPNSTAR.com's Ian Griffiths and Eugene YS Han will be at the Serapong Course during the course of the event. Catch the Barclays Singapore Open LIVE on STAR Sports starting from Thursday, October 29 at 1330 HKT.