Dyson's Asian experience has him full of confidence at HSBC Champions

Simon Dyson has no doubt that his bags of Asian experience will stand him in good stead as he targets victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions this week at Sheshan International Golf Club.

The 33-year-old Englishman was struggling to make his way in the game when he joined the Asian Tour in 2000, having failed to win a card to compete in Europe. But it proved an inspired move as he won three titles in his first season, setting him up for a career that has since brought plenty further rewards, including six tournament successes on the European Tour, two of which have come this year.

Dyson is now firmly established among Europe's leading players and has traveled to China this week full of optimism he can challenge in a field that includes all of this year's major winners: Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Keegan Bradley.

World No. 1 Luke Donald is skipping the event to be at the birth of his second child, while Sergio Garcia has opted to take a rest after back-to-back wins in Europe lifted him back into the world's top 20.

Dyson would love to add to the Irish Open and KLM Open titles he has already landed in 2011.

"It's weird the success I've had out here and it's amazing what it's done for my confidence," said Dyson. "Every time I come this way, I feel as if I'm going to play well. And, though I don't want this to sound big-headed, I have this feeling that everyone else knows."

Dyson's spirits were also lifted during the summer by a letter from the great Arnold Palmer, praising him for his Irish triumph.

"The letter was typed, but the signature at the bottom was definitely his," he said.

Defending champion this week is Italian Ryder Cup player Francesco Molinari, who fended off Lee Westwood in a thrilling finish 12 months ago. Both men finished with rounds of 67, as Molinari, who had led from the first round onwards, completed a memorable triumph.

The 28-year-old has not won since, but is quietly confident this could be another favorable week. Repeating his 2010 victory will be a lot to ask, though, with Molinari accepting he played an inspired tournament to secure his second professional title.

"Last year was a great week and I've got some great memories of the event and the course," he said. "I'm really looking forward to going back there to defend the title and it's a golf course that I really like. I'm in good form and I would love to do well again.

"My battle with Lee was probably the best golf I've played so far on tour and the best week I've had on a golf course," he added. "Now I realize what I did there and I'd love to play that well again. It's going to be hard to repeat that form this year, but I'll be trying to defend the title. I set a really high standard last year."