Part was the first overseas winner

Number one contender from abroad this year is the gifted Marko Pusa from Finland.

He made his Lakeside Country Club debut in 2001 with a nail-biting encounter with England's experienced Colin Monk.

Many pundits thought the occasion may have been too much for the Finn but he roared into a formidable lead before a determined Monk made a game of it - albeit too late.

Pusa went on to beat English qualifier Jez Porter in round two before running out of steam against eventual champion John Walton.

Professional player Pusa will be in good company at Frimley Green with compatriot Jarkko Komula who was within a match of making the 2001 finals via the international play-offs and was runner-up in the recent Winmau World Masters.

Fifth seed Barneveld will have a huge Dutch following in the arena as he attempts to make off with the title for a third time.

Pusa leads the foreign challenge this year

Belgium's Eric Clarys looks to be in his best position yet to claim the silverware and �48,000 winner's cheque at his fifth attempt.

Meanwhile, Queenslander Tony David is just one more in a long line of Aussies who have travelled the globe in pursuit of the game's biggest prize and he will be returning to try to improve on his first round exit in 2001 at the hands of Andy Fordham.

He is joined by fellow Australian Russell Stewart.

Co Stompe is no stranger to the Lakeside oche and he will be joined by fellow Dutchman first-timer Vincent van der Voort.

Germany will also be hoping for success with the inclusion of Andree Welge and Stefan Nagy will be flying the flag for Sweden along with 18-year-old Markus Korhoen.

Finally, Mensur Suljovic will become the first ever Austrian to compete in the Embassy.