Wednesday October 31, 2007, 07:28 AM

Asia's top golfers are looking for big name scalps this week at the Barclays Singapore Open to propel them into the international spotlight, and they are confident they have what it takes.

Chinese number one Liang Wen-chong, who won the Singapore Masters earlier this year to give him playing rights in Europe, spearheads the regional charge.

Liang said he has turned to yoga to help him relax on the golf course as he prepares to cross clubs with the world's leading stars at the Barclays Singapore Open.

Liang, who finished fourth here last year behind Adam Scott and Ernie Els, tees off Thursday alongside the big South African and US Open winner Angel Cabrera confident that he can handle the pressure.

"I started learning yoga and breathing exercises under my coach Kel Llewellyn and I've started doing a bit of it, especially the breathing aspect of it," he said.

"It helps me relax on the golf course. The yoga certainly helps with the stretching as well."

But others should also be in the hunt, with nine of the Asian Tour's top 10 on the Order of Merit in action, including Thai pair Chapchai Nirat and Prayad Marksaeng, Taiwan's Lu Wen-teh and India’s Gaurav Ghei.

But other well-known faces are missing as the tournament clashes with the Volvo Masters in Spain.

The most notable absentee is India's Jeev Milka Singh who is in Valderrama to defend the trophy he won last year that launched his international career.

Thai favourite Thongchai Jaidee is also in Spain along with India's Jyoti Randhawa and Taiwan's Yang Yong-eun.

Despite the presence of heavyweights like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Adam Scott and Vijay Singh in Singapore, Liang is confident he can make his mark.

"My goal this year is to win. It is my goal for every tournament and the Barclays Singapore Open will be one where I will strive hard for success," he said.

"I will block out all the other players in the field when I am out there and will look at my game, which has been and will continue to be my strategy for this year."

His game will be put to the test on Thursday, when he is grouped with Els and US Open winner Angel Cabrera.

Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, nicknamed the "Big Dolphin", is also planning to make a splash after top 10 finishes at the tournament in the past two years.

"I have to admit it is not my favourite course. But I have played well here two times," he said. "There is no big secret -- you just have to hit it straight with your driver."

Filipino star Juvic Pagunsan could spring a surprise after an emotional triumph at the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational last week, while Singapore's Mardan Mamat will have home support to push him to glory.

"I think it is every professional golfers’ dream to win their national Open. This is mine," said Mardan.

"I have confidence in the way I’m hitting the ball now. I think if I can hold some putts, hopefully I’ll be in the lead over the weekend."

Asian trailblazer Zhang Lian-wei, the first Chinese to win a co-sanctioned Asian and European Tour event at the Singapore Masters in 2003, is flying high after victory on the Omega China Tour last weekend.

"The win has put me in a really good mood," he said. "I'm looking for a top-10 finish."

© 2007 AFP/sid