Jonathan Ross has been handed a daunting opening game in next month’s Scottish International Open in Perth.

The Belfast-man, who now resides in Glasgow, was pulled out of the hat against Australia’s Mark Casey in the first big World Bowls Tour event of the season.

Ross, who recently recorded his own little chapter in the history books by becoming the first Irish player to win the Scottish outdoor singles title, retained his place in the WBT top 16, but with little to spare.

He squeezed in at 15 for the new campaign. It means he must pick up vital ranking points in the three mainstream tournaments this season, starting with the Scottish Open, held from November 6-13.

“The pressure is on,” admitted Ross. “It’s a world class line-up in the Scottish Open.

“I’ll have my work cut out. It doesn’t really matter who you draw, there are no easy games.

“It’s a matter of keeping your head down and trying to negotiate each match.”

Although Ross won his opening match in the Scottish event last season — against English qualifier Jason Parkinson — he bowed out in the second round, beaten by Scotland ace Stewart Anderson.

Ross reeled in most of his ranking points in the World Indoor Singles at Potters Leisure Resort as he roared into the quarter-finals and he secured his place among the big guns by reaching the last eight of the Welsh Open at Swansea.

He skittled England pair Andy Thomson and Billy Jackson — two former world champions — along the way before being eliminated by the eventual winner, Scotland’s Darren Burnett.