White, snooker's uncrowned Peoples Champion during the late 1980s and early 1990s, is still arguably the most popular player in the game.

But a recent run of poor form has seen him drop out of the world 16, and needing a favour to compete in the competition which features the world's top 16 and two others.

White, whose first match will be against Mark King, could conceivably pick up a first prize of £155,000.

Defending champion Mark Williams, who made his mark on the world scene by beating Stephen Hendry in last year's final, will play his first match against Nigel Bond.

Hendry, who has recently talked of retirement following a horrendous run of results, will play Tony Drago.

Steve Davis, John Parrott, Ronnie O'Sullivan and reigning world champion John Higgins are all scheduled to play.