The hectic snooker ranking calendar continues as the 2012 Welsh Open gets underway in Newport on Monday.
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The event sees 32 of the world's top players compete in the £200,000 event over seven days of quick-fire action in the Valleys.
The first round draw has thrown up a number of potential classic matches, with shocks a distinct possibility over the short format.
John Higgins begins the defence of his title against Chinese ace Liang Wembo; Higgins has come up short in recent ranking events and is yet to win a title this season.
The Scot will be out to pick up the pace before the all-important World Championship with a win in Wales.
Ronnie O'Sullivan heads to Newport fresh from his victory at the German Masters last weekend. The Rocket ended his ranking drought of over two years without a major title by lifting the title in Berlin.
He proved he still has what it takes to stay at the top of the sport and cannot be dismissed for any major title. He begins this particular campaign as the 7/1 favourite but must first get through a tricky tie against Hong Kong's Marco Fu.
Should the Chigwell ace progress, he could face native Welshman Mark Williams in the next round.
The stand out first round tie sees Masters champion Neil Robertson take on seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry in a potential thriller.
The duo are also set to meet in the first round of the new World Open and are certain to provide a highly entertaining battle if they each bring their top form to the table.
Last year's event was remembered for the historic 10th career maximum 147 break made by Hendry in his second round match against Stephen Maguire. Could he possibly repeat the feat and break Ronnie's record this time around?
UK Champion Judd Trump has been installed as the joint outright favourite; the young Bristolian faces experienced Irishman Fergal O'Brien in his opener and will be looking to add this title to his growing list of major wins.
Last year's runner-up Stephen Maguire faces newcomer Adam Wicheard, while resident Welsh star Matthew Stevens faces Shootout winner Barry Hawkins.
Youth meets experience as two Irish stars go head-to-head in Mark Allen and Ken Doherty. Meanwhile legend Steve Davis will be out to cause another upset by defeating the out of sorts Ali Carter.
The tournament will take place from February 13-19 at the Newport Centre in Wales, with selected matches being streamed live. The Schedule of play will be announced shortly.
First Round Draw
John Higgins v Liang Wenbo
Ding Junhui v Mark Davis
Stephen Lee v Day/ Holt
Graeme Dott v Tom Ford
Shaun Murphy v Mark Joyce
Ali Carter v Steve Davis
Mark Allen v Ken Doherty
Neil Robertson v Stephen Hendry
Mark Williams v Andy Hicks
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Marco Fu
Stuart Bingham v Mark King
Judd Trump v Fergal O'Brien
Stephen Maguire v Adam Wicheard
Matthew Stevens v Barry Hawkins
Martin Gould v Peter Ebdon
Mark Selby v Dale/ Baird
