David is back on form after a poor start to 2006

David, 23, became world champion last November but is only just finding her form after a dismal spell which saw her fail to win a Commonwealth Games medal.

"Players on the circuit are getting closer (in standard)," she said. "One slight opening gives them an extra chance to get into it.

"You have to make sure you are on top of your game. It's hard to do it."

David showed she was back to her best in September with a dominant display at the British Open in Nottingham.

In defending her title, she did not drop a single game and beat her Melbourne conqueror Natalie Grinham in the semis for the loss of just 11 points.

In the final, David had an even bigger win against Grinham's sister Rachel, Australia's former world number one.

The Grinhams will again be among David's main rivals in Northern Ireland, as will Vanessa Atkinson, the 30-year-old Dutch star who won the 2004 World Open title.

British players could also make a strong showing on home territory.

Tania Bailey and Vicky Botwright, part of the England team which won the World Team title in Canada in October, are both capable of causing upsets.

Local hopes are riding on Madeline Perry - the 29-year-old from Banbridge is seeded to reach the quarter-finals.

The early rounds will be played at the Belfast Boat Club before the competition moves to the Ulster Hall from the last 16 round onwards.