The inform Cameron Smith and defending champion Scott Hend will be among the favourites this week when the Asian Tour’s Taiwan Masters tees off.

Smith has had a share of the lead at some point in each of his last three tournaments but has struggled with his weekend play and is yet to hold on for victory.

Hend, while only teeing up in Asia four times so far in 2014, will return to the scene of the second of three victories on the Tour last year.

Smith is the form player of the Australian contingent and was impressive again last week at the Japan Golf Tour co-sanctioned Diamond Cup.

The 21-year-old fired an opening round 66 to lead by two on a difficult golf course but faded over the final three days to eventually finish T9.

Smith also held a share of the 36 hole lead the last time the Tour was in Taiwan for the Yeangder tournament three weeks ago and had the outright lead through three rounds of the Selangor Masters in Malaysia a fortnight ago.

While Hend has played just four events in Asia this year he will tee up Thursday with plenty of good memories in a tournament where he was the only player to finish under par last year.

The victory was a springboard to one of his best years as a Professional, eventually finishing second on the Order of Merit with three wins and three other top 10′s.

Hend and Smith will spearhead a 16 strong Australian contingent which also includes Phillipines Open winner Marcus Both and Matt Steiger who finished in the top-10 at this event last year.

Article written by Rod Morri.