TWO-time Ryder Cup winner Thomas Bjorn has confirmed that he will make his debut at the Celtic Manor Wales Open this year, becoming the third big-name Ryder Cup star to do so.

The Great Dane follows in the footsteps of Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo, who have already confirmed their entry into the £1.5million tournament, to be held from June 2 at the Celtic Manor resort.

Bjorn is currently ranked number 36 in the world and 11th on The European Tour's Volvo Order of Merit after a second place at this year's China Open and a tied third place at the TCL classic in March.

He is also well remembered for coming so close to winning the 2003 Open, where he squandered a three shot lead with two holes to play to eventually lose out to American Ben Curtis.

He also ran the leaders close this year at the Masters, before sadly losing his way with a final round of 81.

Bjorn's entry strikes a blow for Wales Open organiser and Celtic Manor chief Sir Terry Matthews, who is desperately trying to compete with the lucrative Memorial tournament staged in Ohio on the PGA Tour.

The Memorial event takes place at the same time as the Wales Open and generally attracts the world's top 50 players.

However, Bjorn agreeing to play in Wales will unquestionably further strengthen the event. Bjorn is keen to make a big impact on his first visit to South Wales.

He said: "I'm delighted that I'm able to take part in this year's Celtic Manor Wales Open as I believe it is one of the leading tournaments on The European Tour.

"I know a lot of the guys on the tour have talked a great deal about how good the facilities are at the resort and I'm really looking forward to playing in what I hear is a really enjoyable event."

Jon Phelps, Director of The Celtic Manor Wales Open, said: "Thomas has undoubtedly been one of the leading European golfers of the last decade as his strong position in the world top fifty suggests.

"As such, it's a real boost to the tournament for Thomas to confirm his entry and I know that golf fans in the region will be excited by the prospect of seeing a real great of the world game in action. We look forward to hosting him and wish him every success for the week".