China's Liang Wen-Chong, Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng and India's Jeev Milkha Singh were issued special invitations to the Masters golf tournament on Monday by Augusta National Golf Club.

Augusta National chairman Billy Payne announced the names, which bring the entry list at the year's first major golf championship April 10-13 to 87.

"These three individuals are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation," Payne said. "They are outstanding representatives of their respective countries."

More players can qualify for the Masters by winning a US PGA event or placing among the top 50 on the world golf rankings in the week before the Masters.

But giving the Asian players their chance ensures the Masters will achieve its goals of global growth for the sport.

"We think the interest in golf in each country will heighten when these players compete in the Masters," Payne said.

Liang won the 2007 European Tour event at Singapore and last year became the first Chinese player to win the Asian Tour's Order of Merit. He leads Asian tour money winners so far this season and will play in the 2008 British Open.

Prayad has won six Asian Tour titles and in 1999 became the first Thai golfer to qualify for the British Open. He ranked fifth on the Asian tour last year.

Singh made his Masters debut last year, sharing 10th after the first round and 16th after 36 holes before settling for a share of 37th. He won twice on the European tour in 2006 and won the Asian Tour money crown that year.

Other Asians who are set to play at Augusta in April include South Korean K.J. Choi and Japan's Shingo Katayama and Toru Taniguchi.

(Agencies via CRI January 22, 2008)