DANIEL Nixon begins on Monday the defence of a Roberts Bakery Cup title he won for the first time last summer.

The Wharton Cons man will be joined by three other previous winners – clubmate Glynn Cookson and Castle Private pair Jason Cornes and Rob Winnington – at Delamere.

Four bowlers will progress to the next stage.

Nixon captured the silver trophy, and £300 first prize, at a sodden Spinner & Bergamot last July following a 21-14 success against Andy Hamman (Castle Private) in the final.

Afterwards Nixon, a former Cowley Cup winner, told the Guardian he rated it as among his best moments since starting to play the game.

A 48-strong field contests Monday’s qualifying round across four greens.

Four-time winner Thomas Vickers (Wharton Cons) is among the contenders at Lostock Graylams, while 2006 champion Tony Malisch plays at Castle Private.

Three former champions – Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion), Gerald Merry (Delamere) and Rudheath’s Phil Scott – are part of the line-up at Owley Wood.

Scott, who lifted the cup back in 1985 while a member at Owley Wood, reached the last eight a year ago.

Play starts at each venue from 6.45pm.