ALLAN Taylor is confident he can see off snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan in the second round of the English Open.

Taylor, who lives in Southend, will go head-to-head with the five-time world champion at Crawley’s K2 Leisure Centre after recording a 4-3 win over Scotland’s Scott Donaldson in the best-of-seven first round encounter.

And although O’Sullivan will go into the meeting as the overwhelming favourite to emerge victorious, Taylor feels an upset could be on the cards.

Taylor said: “What do I hope to get out of the game? Victory.

“I wouldn’t be turning up otherwise.

“You have to believe you can win and it’s only myself I can control out there, so it’s pointless thinking of anything else.”

O’Sullivan, who resides in Chigwell, progressed to this stage of the competition thanks to a 4-1 triumph over Norway’s Kurt Maflin.

However, it was the 42-year-old’s comments after the first round tie that overshadowed the match.

O’Sullivan was unimpressed with where this year’s English Open is being held, describing the K2 Leisure Centre as ‘a hellhole’ and urging World Snooker to spend more money on tournament hosts.

But Taylor insisted he had no problems with the Crawley venue.

“The venue and conditions were pretty good,” he added.

“I had a good game against Scott Donaldson.

“I played well to go 3-0 up and then played a few poor shots but finished with a century in the decider, which gave me confidence in my routine.

“I’ve had a bit of TV time in the last couple of tournaments in China and Belgium, so I just see the match as another chance to play on the main table, if that’s where the organisers put us.

“The value you get out of the TV table is unmeasurable.

“It’s where you’ve always wanted to be since starting playing as a kid.

“I’ve felt comfortable out there the last few times so I’m looking forward to getting out there again.

“It’s nice to know where your game is regardless of who you play so hopefully I can put in a good shift.”