Madeline Perry will take on the best in the world

She enjoys nothing more than a stroll in the mountain near her Banbridge homes as one of her favourite ways to relax.

But obviously if she doesn't have a chance on this rare visit home she'll be more than happy to overstay her welcome in Belfast.

Madeline is seeded to reach the quarter-finals so if she can upset the rankings the world number seven would be a bit too busy with other things on her mind than relaxing in the Mournes!

In any event she has promised local squash fans that they are in for a treat irrespective of how far she gets herself.

The 29 year-old points to the fabulous talent that is Nicol David, the top seed and world number one.

Madeline can walk down the streets of Belfast unrecognized, unlike David back home where she's a bit of a celebrity.

At least the Irish number one won't have to worry about facing the Malaysian, unless she were to reach the final as the pair have been kept apart in opposite sides of the draw.

"Nicol is constantly recognised when she walks down the street in Kuala Lumpur and even the Prime Minister once said she was famous," Madeline revealed.

"She often makes the front pages as well as the back pages of newspapers in her country.

"From a playing perspective she's amazing and she has gone over 20 matches unbeaten winning tournament after tournament.

Unlike tennis we don't travel with an entourage so you tend to find that your friends are your fellow-players Madeline Perry

"She's unbelievably fast around the court, she retrieves the ball brilliantly and she's very strong mentally so the Ulster public are in for a treat.

"She's a rich woman with all the endorsements that go with her status but she's a lovely person and very generous.

"In general terms all the girls get on very well with each other.

"Unlike tennis we don't travel with an entourage so you tend to find that your friends are your fellow-players particularly as we spend so much time away from home."

Madeline kicks off her campaign against Irish woman Aisling Blake on Wednesday evening at the Boat Club.

She's confident of beating her friend and Irish team mate although the Sligo woman will be no pushover.

"It's a pity we've been drawn together not only because Aisling's my friend but because one Irish player will obviously be eliminated in the opening round," she added.

"She's a good player but if I play to my potential then I can certainly beat her."

If she fulfils her ranking Madeline will meet Dutchwoman Vanessa Atkinson in the last eight unless the latter were to crash out unexpectedly.

"I beat her when playing for Ireland in the World team championships two years ago so I must have a chance especially with the home crowd behind me," said Madeline.

The tournament, which is backed by the NI Events Company, the Sports Council and Belfast City Council, moves to a purpose-built glass-backed court at the Ulster Hall from the Boat Club from the quarter finals on.

All her fans in Northern Ireland will be hoping Madeline makes it onto the big stage. If she doesn't the Mountains of Mourne beckon as a consolation for her on such a rare but vitally important visit home.