The Philippines' Juvic Pagusan is set to defend his title in the Indonesia President Invitational golf tournament in Jakarta starting Thursday.

This early, India's Gaganjeet Bhullar is eyeing a breakthrough win after finishing runner-up last year.

The 20-year-old siad he is confidente he can beat some of the region's best players, including Pagusan, for the $400,00-top prize.

"I was a rookie last year and I was unfamiliar with the conditions and players. I've adjusted well now and I'm ready to go," said Bhullar, who narrowly lost out on the 2007 title when Pagunsan holed an eagle at the final 18th hole.

"I've been working extremely hard and never took a break. I told myself that the reason I lost out last year was because I wasn't working hard enough on my game.

"I have to drive it well here. My goal is to keep my card but I hope my hard work will pay off with a win this week."

Pagunsan, who nailed two top-10 finishes from his last four tournaments, hopes to tackle the par-72 course at the Damai Indah Golf and Country Club for a successful title defence.

"I will treat this event like any other tournament so that way I will be more relaxed. I'm happy with my form since Bangkok Airways Open in June and I hope to finish strongly here," he said.

Australians Terry Pilkadaris and Rick Kulacz, who won the Brunei Open last week, Malaysia's Ben Leong and Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant will also take part. Agence France-Presse