A RECORD number of players from Ireland and Northern Ireland will be looking to win a place in the 2007 SkyBet World Grand Prix this Sunday.
A total of 549 players from across the island have entered the All-Ireland Qualifiers at the Citywest Hotel, which will take place this weekend.
Four players will win a place in next month's World Grand Prix, with a minimum prize of £2,500 for the qualifiers and the chance to pick up the £50,000 winner's cheque.
Last year, Anto McCracken, Garrett Gray, Geoffrey Matthews and Paul Watton came through the All-Ireland Qualifiers to appear in the tournament.
McCracken won 2-1 against Mark Walsh in the first round, before losing to Bob Anderson in the last 16.
"It is tremendous to see such a response from players over the Irish Sea for this event," said PDC Chief Executive Tim Darby.
"We have been keen over recent years to give Irish players a chance to grace the stage at the Citywest Hotel, and players like John MaGowan and Anto McCracken have risen to the challenge.
"There is so much quality and experience throughout the field and we wish every player the best of luck.
"Great credit must go to Michael O'Sullivan for his hard work in assisting organising this event and co-ordinating our entries in Ireland and Northern Ireland."
Included in the competitors is Mick McGowan, currently the top-ranked Irish player in the PDC Order of Merit who only missed out on an automatic place in the tournament by two places.
John MaGowan, Owen Caffrey, Geoff Wylie, Ian Branks, Anto McCracken, Garrett Gray and Brendan Dolan will join McGowan as seeds for Sunday's qualifier.
Dolan previously qualified in 2004, while MaGowan was a quarter-finalist two years ago.
SkyBet World Grand Prix All-Ireland Qualifiers - Seedings
1. Mick McGowan
2. John MaGowan
3. Owen Caffrey
4. Geoff Wylie
5. Ian Branks
6. Anto McCracken
7. Garrett Gray
8. Brendan Dolan