Devonshire Courts, with Englishman Paul Gregory embarking on what he hopes will be another trip to the winner's circle.

Second seeded Gregory, known as somewhat of a free-spirit throughout the circuit, opens the defence of his crown, won last year after a victory over Pakistan's Zubair Khan.

His first opponent will be Canada's Jamie Crombie (9 p.m. start), the 11th seed, who has designs on a championship himself.

Meanwhile, odds on favourite and top seed Brett Martin, having conquered the flu, must fancy his chances of collecting a fourth Open title, but will have to get past John White of Australia (8 p.m.).

Other matches today see Jonathan Power taking on Abdul Faheen Khan (noon); Craig Rowland versus Stefan Casteleyn (1 p.m.); Lucas Buit versus Zarak Jahan Khan (2 p.m.); Hansi Wiens versus Mir Zaman Gul (3 p.m.); Angus Kirkland versus Julian Rose (4 p.m.).