Dale is targeting a return to the top 16 world rankings

The Neath man, 36, won the Shanghai Masters in August, his first title in 10 years, and hopes to get back into the top 16, being provisionally at 21.

"I enjoy the tournament immensely," said Dale, ahead of a first-round tie with ex-Masters champion Alan McManus.

"The crowd gives you a real feel-good factor and the Newport Centre is a lovely arena to play in."

Double world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is a two-time winner of the Welsh Open, as is home hero Mark Williams.

The star from Cwm will play either Adrian Gunnell or Grand Prix champion Marco Fu in round two.

606: DEBATE If Judd Trump can play any decent standard I fancy him to cause a minor upset wildJONESEYE

Carmarthen's Matthew Stevens plays Chinese rookie Tian Pengfei in round one.

Reigning Welsh Open champion Neil Robertson will play either Jamie Cope or Jimmy Michie.

Last year's surprise runner-up Andrew Higginson is determined to prove he is no one-hit wonder.

Higginson began last year's tournament as a 500-1 outsider but he knocked out John Higgins and Stephen Maguire in his giant-killing run to the final.

Higginson, who beat the great Jimmy White to set-up an opening round game against Anthony Hamilton, said: "Going to Newport will revive some fantastic memories for me.

"I hope I can carry on my run of success in Newport and show that it wasn't a one-off."