Allister Carter (Eng) v Barry Hawkins (Eng)

The aviation industry may have to wait some time for its gain however, as Carter has climbed up the rankings in the past three seasons and is now up to a provisional ranking of eleventh in the world.

His opponent Hawkins sometimes practises with Carter and the pair met in the UK Championship in December when Carter let slip an 8-3 lead and allowed Hawkins to win 9-8 and book a place in the quarter-finals.

On the past couple of seasons, that would be seen as a surprise result but it is worth remembering that Hawkins too was a member of the top 16 for one season just a year ago, but his stay was brief due to a succession of first round exits including one in Sheffield.

Having dropped to 29 in the world, he could do with getting past the first round to ensure he remains in the top 32 for next season, the bare minimum for a player who clearly has some talent.

As in Telford, I expect this one to go to the wire and putting my head on the block, I predict the same outcome in a match which will be better than its low key billing. Prediction: Carter 9-10 Hawkins