MIGUEL Angel Jimenez, a five-time European Tour winner in 2004, is the latest big name to sign up for next month's Celtic Manor Wales Open, alongside with a whole host of other big names, as exclusively revealed in later editions of last night's Argus.

Jimenez was the leading light amongst a group of top names confirmed yesterday to play in the Celtic Manor event, which begins on June 2.

It will be the Spaniard's first appearance at the competition since its inception in 2000 and he joins Colin Montgomerie and Thomas Bjorn as an early favourite to win the event, having enjoyed a superb 2004 that saw him win five tour events.

Jimenez, who is currently 18th in the world, is the highest ranked player ever to compete in the Wales Open and the announcement of his appearance is a significant one.

Despite growing year on year, the Wales Open has always suffered in terms of the quality of its field, because it takes place the same week as the Memorial Tournament in America, one of the largest PGA Tour events.

However, both Jimenez and Bjorn have chosen this year's Wales Open in preference to the American event, the first time that players in the top 50 have chosen to do so, which is a massive boost for the Wales Open. Tournament chief John Phelps said: "Entries haven't closed but we are delighted with who we have secured so far, this field will have some terrific pedigree."

One player looking increasingly unlikely to play in at the Celtic Manor next month is Newport's Phil Price, who is likely to be staying in America, where he is desperately battling to maintain his tour-card.

But Wales will be represented by Stephen Dodd, Jamie Donaldson, David Park and Blackwood's Bradley Dredge, who will be looking to make amends after missing the cut last year.

Twelve former Ryder Cup players have also signed up for the Wales Open, including 2001 Wales Open winner Paul McGinley.

He is joined by the last European to win a major (the 1999 Open) Paul Lawrie, Constantino Rocca, Ignacio Garrido, Pierre Fulke, Joakim Haeggman, Barry Lane, Niclas Fasth, Paul Broadhurst, Jarmo Sandelin, Andrew Coltart and Gordon Brand Jnr.

New Zealander Michael Campbell will also play, as will defending champion Simon Khan.

l Extra entertainment will be part of the experience at this year's tournament, following the success of 'Ladies Day' last year, which attracted several high-profile celebrities.

Next month's tournament will include two villages, one with a kids-zone and live entertainment and 'the 19th hole' which will feature several bars and live jazz music.

The Premiership trophy will also be displayed during the event and several big names are once again expected for Ladies Day on the Sunday, meaning celebrity spotters should keep their eyes peeled for confirmed 'big-names', such as Jason Donovan and Kirsty Gallagher.