'It's an all North American opening clash here, but surprisingly, Matt Campbell and Adam Sevada have never actually played each other.

Still, Matt has experience on the circuit and on the Ally Pally stage, which should give him an edge here. He's beaten Lourence Ilagan and James Wade on this stage before.

Adam is a very good and tidy player, he's won competitions in the CDC, but the few times I've watched him on the stage, he's just flattered to deceive.'

'I've tipped Martin Schindler as one of my underdogs for the tournament. Ally Pally is an incredible stage and the crowd are unbelievable - and half of them will be German.

On the European tour in front of his beloved German fans, Schindler is incredible.

I'm just waiting for the big TV tournament from him, I like his section of the draw and it's time for him to stand up and be counted. On his day, Schindler is a big 180 hitter, too.'