Hong Kong Open: A look at the players battling to save their European Tour futures

It’s make-or-break for a number of golfers at this week’s Hong Kong Open, where plenty are fighting for their European Tour future.

Although Justin Rose and Dustin Johnson are joined by the likes of Patrick Reed and Ian Poulter in a strong field, it is matters further down the Race to Dubai rankings where a lot of the attention will be focused.

The regular-season finale in Fanling is the last chance for those languishing around the edge of the top 110 in the standings to hold on to their playing rights for next season.

All those above the cut-off line after Sunday will retain their European Tour membership for 2016, with those below the drop zone facing a daunting trip to Qualifying School to try and retain their card.

Who is at risk? Here's a look at some of those in need of a big performance this week…

All of those currently ranked between 101st and 110th in the standings have made the trip to the Far East, with Oliver Fisher (105) looking to build on a recent top-10 finish at the British Masters.

Progressing through to the weekend should be enough for all of those inside the magic mark to stay on the Tour for 2016, although those lurking just above the danger zone could still be safe even with a missed cut in Hong Kong, depending on how others perform.

Thailand's Prom Meesawat currently lies in 110th spot in the standings, less than 4,000 points clear of nearest challenger SSP Chawrasia of India. 

"I have been in this situation trying to secure my European Tour card a couple of times but I am trying to think of it as a normal tournament," Meesawat said. "It is difficult to cut that out of your mind, especially this week, but I'll try to enjoy it and see what happens.

"I've been talking to SSP Chawrasia, who is obviously just behind me, but I'm trying not to expect too much because I haven't had that much chance to play on the European Tour this year.

"With the amount of money there is, if I can finish top three I know I will have a big jump, so anything can happen. To get my card would be another step forward in my career."

Anders Hansen, who is ranked 112th, does not feature this week as he retired after the Portugal Masters, but Mikael Lundberg (113), former Portugal Masters winner Tom Lewis (115) and Spain's Adrian Otaegui (116) all have one final chance to push up the rankings. 

"It's just another week, no more important than the first week of the year, and something I have been getting ready for," Otaegui said. "I know the course from last year, I arrived late; I'm relaxed!"

All or nothing

Last year's three-time Challenge Tour winner Moritz Lampert and former Alfred Dunhill winner Garth Mulroy are part of the large group who need to finish outright second or better, while only victory will be enough for four of this week's field to guarantee their European Tour futures.

Jake Higginbottom (214), Steve Lewton (262) and Gaganjeet Bullar (270) are among those chasing an unlikely win, while Spaniard Javier Colomo (207) is hoping to build on recent top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour.

Who will avoid the trip to Qualifying School? Watch the Hong Kong Open live throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.