Three of Asia's top-ranked players have received special invitations to play in this year's Masters Tournament.

Liang Wen-Chong, of China, Prayad Marksaeng, of Thailand, and Jeev Milkha Singh, of India, have been added to the field, Augusta National Golf Club and Masters chairman Billy Payne announced Monday.

"These three individuals are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation," Payne said in a prepared statement. "We think the interest in golf in each country will heighten when these players compete in the Masters."

The expected starting field for the Masters, which will be held April 10-13, now stands at 87 players. Two players, Daniel Chopra and D.J. Trahan, have earned invitations by winning PGA Tour events this year.

All three players invited Monday are currently ranked in the top 100 in the World Golf Ranking. Marksaeng is 79th, followed by Singh at 81 and Wen-Chong at 91.

Only K.J. Choi, of Korea, who is No. 7, and three Japanese players are ranked higher than Singh, Marksaeng and Wen-Chong among Asian players.

Singh is the only one of the special invitees to have played in the Masters. He made his debut in 2007 and finished tied for 37th.

A two-time European Tour winner, Singh had seven top-25 finishes on that tour in 2007.

Wen-Chong was the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit leader. He won the 2007 Singapore Masters on the PGA European Tour.

Marksaeng has won six Asian Tour events, including the Volvo Masters of Asia in 2007.

Players still can qualify for the Masters by winning PGA Tour events (except for the two opposite World Golf Championship events). Also, the top 50 players in the World Golf Ranking published the week before the Masters will receive invitations.

Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.