Mark Selby is one of a dozen top players chasing glory in the Jiangsu Classic in China this week.

The world No.7 from Leicester has been asked back to the invitational event after finishing runner-up last year, when he was narrowly beaten 6-5 by local hero Ding Junhui.

Selby gets his bid under way at the Wuxi Stadium, in Wuxi City, on Thursday, when he faces Ali Carter in the afternoon and Jin Long in the evening.

Other big names taking part include defending champion Ding, Marco Fu, former world champions Stephen Hendry, Shaun Murphy and Peter Ebdon, and Ryan Day, Mark Allen and Joe Perry.

The first two days of the four-day event will be round-robin, with the 12 players split into two groups of six. The top two in each group go through to Saturday's semi-finals, with the final taking place on Sunday.

Selby said: "I've been practising hard all week for this tournament, probably more so than most players who usually hang up their cue as soon as the season has finished.

"While everyone has been enjoying the hot weather, I've been stuck indoors on the snooker table! Hopefully it will pay off, because I would like to go one better than last year."

As well as Carter and Jin, Selby's draw also contains Murphy, Perry and Fu.

The 'Jester from Leicester' added: "It would be a good event to win, and the prize money on offer is decent as well. But it's a strong field with plenty of quality names, so I know it won't be easy.

"Ding Junhui is defending his title in his home town, and there are several other Chinese players involved, so they will be tough tests.

"And you cannot discount the likes of Hendry and Murphy, who have been there and done it.

"I've got a tough group to get out of, and the matches are only best of three, so it's a bit cut-throat."