Indonesia President Invitational 2009 Contenders

Source: Asian Tour

As Scott Hend aims to defend his title, Asiantour.com looks at the top contenders likely to put up a strong challenge at the Damai Indah Golf – Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) course.

• Scott Hend (Aus)
  Despite having to defend his title on a different course this week, title holder Hend is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to relive last year’s three-stroke victory. His big-hitting game will be an advantage on the par-72 7,158-yard course which many believe is a big-hitters’ paradise.
  Order of Merit ranking: 63rd
• Juvic Pagunsan (Phi)
  It will be a walk down memory lane for Pagunsan as he won the inaugural Indonesia President Invitational on the BSD Course in 2007, thanks to memorable birdie, eagle finish in his last two holes. The Filipino will be looking to continue his rich vein of form as he has already chalked two top-10s this year.
  Order of Merit ranking: 22nd
• James Kamte (Rsa)
  Kamte will be banking on his US Open experience as he guns for his second Asian Tour title this year. It has been a fruitful rookie season for the powerful South African as he won the Asian Tour International in Thailand, just weeks after earning his tour card in Qualifying School.
  Order of Merit ranking: 13th
• Mardan Mamat (Sin)
  Two-time Asian Tour winner, Mardan, enjoyed an impressive first half of the year where he claimed two top-10 finishes and a tied 14th at the Johnnie Walker Classic in February. The 42-year-old Singaporean will be determined to improve his current standings on the Asian Tour Order of Merit where he lies in ninth position with US$106,723.58 in earnings. After his summer break, he is raring to get into action again and could well sparkle this week.
  Order of Merit ranking: 9th
• Rory Hie (Ind)
  The talented Hie will lead the Indonesian challenge as he puts his home ground advantage to good use. The 21-year-old made his debut as a professional in this tournament last year and subsequently earned his tour card after finishing in the top-40 at Qualifying School in Thailand early this season. Hie has already chalked one top-10 finish so far this year at the SAIL Open in India.
  Order of Merit ranking: 58th
• Bae Sang-moon (Kor)
  Bae will be a threat at the BSD course as he is one of the longest drivers on Tour. He also enjoyed his debut at the US Open in June and has already won once this season at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in May for his third career victory.
  Order of Merit ranking: 8th
• Adam Blyth
  Blyth produced an eye-catching performance at the Maybank Malaysian Open in February where he led after the third round before ending the tournament in 10th place. The Australian has yet to make a breakthrough on the Asian Tour but has come close on several occasions. Blyth also registered a tied seventh finish at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia.
  Order of Merit ranking: 10th

Source: Asian Tour