RTÉ Sport journalist
Six of those players, including 2020 EBSA European Under-21 champion Aaron Hill and 1997 World Champion Ken Doherty, are starting off in round one, meaning that they need to win four matches before Wednesday week to get through to the Crucible Theatre.
There is a guarantee of at least one Irish winner in the first round on Wednesday when the two Fergals - O Brien from Dublin and Quinn from Tyrone - meet one another.
It s fair to say that the pair are at opposite ends of their careers, but O Brien, who was ranked as high as No 9 in the world in the 1999-2000 season, says he has no plans to call it a day just yet.
£3million awarded to 162 NI community projects by National Lottery Community Fund
Brian Kerr from Listening Ear said We ve have been making up parcels with good warm food and treats too, and will be delivering them to over 60 houses in the Rathcoole
Pupils from All Childrenâs Integrated Primary School in Newcastle, receiving Christmas goodies from Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, who were recently awarded a £5,000 grant to create a Christmas video and make deliveries to primary schools, boosting community spirit and excitement. (Image: The National Lottery Community Fund)
Never miss a thing from Belfast and beyond - sign up for FREE newsletter direct to your inboxInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.