Robert Karlsson won the Celtic Manor Wales Open crown in 2006

Reigning European number one Robert Karlsson heads the list of 2010 Ryder Cup hopefuls at this year's Wales Open.

The world number 11 wants to play the Celtic Manor's Twenty Ten course before it stages next year's Ryder Cup.

Karlsson is joined in Newport by fellow Ryder Cup stars Thomas Bjorn, Paul McGinley, Oliver Wilson, Paul Lawrie, David Howell and Soren Hansen.

Rival 2010 Ryder Cup skippers Corey Pavin of the United States and Europe's Colin Montgomerie will also play.

Karlsson won the Wales Open in 2006 on the Celtic Manor's old Roman Road course - a victory which inspired the 6ft 5ins Swede into Ian Woosnam's 2006 Ryder Cup squad.

The Swede, who finished second in last year's tournament, also represented Europe alongside Hansen and Wilson in last year's Ryder Cup defeat to the US at Valhalla.

And 39-year-old Karlsson is hoping to make a first-hand impression on European captain Montgomerie once the tenth Wales Open begins on 4 June.

Karlsson is responding to Montgomerie's call for European players to get to know the course before next year's golfing battle with Tiger Woods and co.

Young hopefuls Nick Dougherty of England, Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Volvo Masters champion Soren Kjeldsen will also tee off at this year's Wales Open.

Celtic Manor Resort chief executive Dylan Matthews said: "It's great to see Robert Karlsson in The Celtic Manor Wales Open field once again after the way he has thrilled our fans in the last few years.

"It's also pleasing to see so many other leading names on The European Tour.

"They'll all be eager to impress on The Twenty Ten Course which is going to provide such a spectacular stage for the Ryder Cup in 2010."

Australia's Scott Strange has also confirmed he will return to defend his trophy, boosted by his recent Volvo China Open win.

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