Scotish player John Higgins(R) and China's Ding Junhui attend a press conference of the Hainan Snooker Classic in Boao, South China's Hainan Province, March 9, 2011. The Hainan Snooker Classic will take place in Baoao from March 10, 2011.(Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Local snooker sensation and crowd pleaser Dong Junhui will take on Graeme Dott, Scotland's 2006 world champion, today to open his campaign at the China Life-Xingpai Hainan Classic in this township on Hainan Island, which is famous for hosting the Miss World competition.

"I'm glad that we have another tournament in China, especially on beautiful Hainan Island. I believe the matches here will be more fun and impressive due to the nice climate and scenery," Ding said on Wednesday during the pre-tournament press conference.

In another feature match of the day, world No 1 John Higgins will play England veteran Peter Ebdon, the 2002 world champion.

"It is very exciting to play in Hainan Island. I have always played in the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Hainan is a great resort and I can enjoy the beach and sunshine when I don't have to play," said Higgins.

The event has attracted 10 of the world's top 16 players, including world No 5 Ding, seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry of Scotland and world No 2 Neil Robertson of Australia.

Top local players, including Tian Pengfei, Yu Delu, Jin Long, Li Yan and Cao Yupeng, will also take part.

The event will feature four groups of four players with each playing three best-of three matches.

The player who tops his group will progress to the semifinals.

"It will be very difficult in the group matches as you have to play against so many top players, especially when the games are so short," said Higgins, who is in Group A with Robertson, Hendry and Li.