The Northamptonshire star, who captured the World Cup in Oman last year and is a four-time Legends Tour champion, begins his title defence against Kings Lynn's Nathan Jones with Gary Skipworth, ranked number two, facing Australian Ryan Thomerson.

Ipswich favourite Paul Sparrow plays reigning Snooker Classic winner Peter Devlin, while the in-form Luke Simmonds, already with three titles this year, tackles Norwich's Luke Pinches in the pick of the first round ties.

Peterborough's Steve Martin has a tough task when he takes on Josh Thomond, who has been competing on the professional circuit this season as a 'top-up' player, with city hope Gary Norman up against the talented Kristian Willetts.

Debutant George Pragnall is also in action and is a live contender for the £600 top prize. All matches are best-of-five frames with play commencing at 9.45am.