MANILA, Philippines -- One of Asia's most exciting young prospects, Juvic Pagunsan, will attempt to enhance his résumé this week by winning the Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines.

The talented Filipino, who enjoyed a glittering amateur career and is quickly collecting silverware on the Asian Tour, heads the field at Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club, just outside Manila.

Pagunsan did not play in the season-opening event, on what used to be the ASEAN Tour, last week in Indonesia as he chose to stay at home and practice at his home club.

"I have been trying to hit the ball with a bit of fade this year but it hasn't worked out and I haven't played well," he said.

"I have been practicing on hitting my normal right to left shot over the past couple of weeks and I am much happier now."

Pagunsan played in one event on the fledgling Mercedes-Benz circuit last year, the Mt. Malarayat Championship also in the Philippines. He failed to make his mark but is confident of a better result this week.

A total of 107 players have entered the tournament with other Filipino hopes resting with Angelo Que and Mars Pucay.

Thailand is represented strongly by Panuwat Muenlek, Somkiat Srisanga, Atthaphon Prathumanee and Nakul Vichitryuthasastrm while Malaysia has also sent a powerful contingent headed by Sukree Othman and Anis Helmi Hassan.