The Race to Dubai hots up 

With just six events remaining in this season's Race to Dubai, the European Tour heads back to the 2018 Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National in Paris this week for the Amundi Open de France.

Alex Noren became the unexpected champion last year after coming from seven shots behind on the final day as all of the leaders faltered over the back nine at Le Golf National, and a four-under 67 became enough to claim his 10th European Tour title.

The tournament is no longer a Rolex Series event, but Noren is back to defend his title, along with fellow past champions Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem.

Player Watch

Alex Noren:
Noren has become something of a Le Golf National specialist: He had top 10s in both 2016 and 2017 before his victory last year and won two points from three matches at the Ryder Cup - including his singles against DeChambeau. However, he hasn't cracked the top 10 anywhere this year so far but did finish T15 at the Dunhill Links two weeks ago before a T34 at last week's Italian Open. Ranks inside the top 30 for both driving accuracy and greens in regulation, which are both a premium around this golf course.

Mike Lorenzo Vera:
The Frenchman has been the runner-up twice already this season but is still searching for his maiden European Tour win. Was T40 last week but T15 at the Dunhill Links before that and posted top 10s at both the Omega European Masters and KLM Open. He also has a good history at his home Open, having posted a T3, a T6 and a T16 finish in three of his last four trips to Le Golf National. Ranks 14th for scoring average.

Marcus Kinhult:
Claimed his first win on the European Tour at the British Masters, and heads to France after a T18 in Italy - one of three top 20s in his last five starts. T5 on his debut here last year. 

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