Former Players Championship winner Mark Allen is desperate to repeat the trick this week.
The Pistol fired his way to the coveted crown in 2016 when he beat Ricky Walden 10-6 in the final.
And the Antrim ace would savour a repeat when he locks horns with the Englishman in the first round of the 16-man event this evening at Aldersley Leisure Village, England.
“These are the events you want to be involved in,” said the world No10.
“These one-year money list events guarantee a good field. You want to beat the best players to win tournaments and this is one of them.
“I want to win every tournament I compete in.”
Four-time world champion John Higgins is the defending champion after his stunning triumph last season — famously beating Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-3 in the final.
The Rocket could return to world No1 this week if he lands a 39th ranking crown.
Six-time Crucible King O’Sullivan locks horns with fierce rival Judd Trump in the first round tomorrow.
The winner will pocket the £125,000 top prize come Sunday night.
