The second ranking event of the Snooker calendar begins tomorrow as the world's elite players head to China for the Shanghai Masters.
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Day one sees 16 players compete in a Wildcard round for the right to join the big guns in the round of 32.
Eight professional players are joined by eight Asian qualifiers, all looking to cause an upset in front of an expectant home crowd.
Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton kicks off the tournament against Li Hang; Hamilton's strong break-building ability may prove tough to contend with for the 20 year-old Chinese debutant.
The Sheriff is 1/2 to progress with Sportingbet, as opposed to outsider Hang at 6/4.
Irishman Fergal O'Brien begins his campaign against the unkown Hossein Vafaei. O'Brien has been in fine form on the PTC circuit, notably beating Ronnie O'Sullivan in a recent event.
He is huge favourite at 2/9 with Boylesports and should go through with relative ease.
Another tip would be to back the experienced players Nigel Bond and Dominic Dale. Unlike their opponents, they have an abundance of experience in major tournaments and are consistent on the tour at the moment.
Boylesports are offering a generous 2/7 on Dale, with Bond also best priced 2/5 with the same bookmaker.
All the pressure will be on the local players, making the task of defeating a top professional on televsion even more difficult.
Youngster Jack Lisowski has shown much promise on the tour this season and has demonstrated a 'no fear' attitude that has seen him upset a number of top players.
He is well fancied to have a run in this tournament and is 4/11 to see off Rouizi Maimaiti with William Hill.
A £10 accumulator for all eight favourites to win their wildcard round matches pays £82 with William Hill.
The 2011 Shanghai Masters gets underway from 6:30am UK time on Monday.
Wildcard Round Schedule
Monday September 5
6.30am Fergal O'Brien v Hossein Vafaei
6.30am Anthony Hamilton v Li Hang
6.30am James Wattana v Jin Long
6.30am Jack Lisowski v Rouzi Maimaiti
11:45am Dominic Dale v Cao Xinlong
11:45am Nigel Bond v Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon
11:45am Robert Milkins v Tang Jun
11:45am Michael Holt v Cai Jianzhong