The Frenchman has discovered his opening challenge of the tournament, due to take place at the Wadi Degla Club in Cairo, with the official draw having been released by the organisers.

Gaultier had ended his wait for the world title when he triumphed against Egypt’s Omar Mosaad last year’s final in Bellevue, Washington in the United States, having previously ended as the runner-up on four separate occasions.

Should Gaultier make it through his opening match, he could face the tricky task of taking on Egypt’s Marwan El Shorbagy, who beat him at the Grasshopper Cup in April.

World number one Mohamed El Shorbagy will face a qualifier in the first round of the tournament as he seeks to claim the world title for the first time in his career.

The Egyptian has twice tasted defeat in the final, losing to his countryman Ramy Ashour in both the 2012 and 2014 title deciders, when both tournaments were in Doha. 

Australia’s Cameron Pilley, who halted El Shorbagy’s bids to win both the Dubai World Series Finals and Hong Kong Open this year, could be in line to face the world number one in the third round.

El Shorbagy’s tough draw could continue with James Willstrop being a potential quarter-final opponent, with the Englishman having defeated the top seed from last year’s competition.

Last year’s runner-up Mosaad is due to begin his 2016 challenge with a match against a qualifier.

The fourth seed Nick Matthew of England will face New Zealand’s Campbell Grayson as he vies for a fourth world title.

The competition is due to take place from October 25 to November 4, with tickets to the tournament available for free when purchasing a day pass to the venue, costing from $5 (£4/€4.50).