Hamilton hopeful of downing Rocket

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan returns to action today in his continued bid to win the Grand Prix in Preston for the second year running.

The world champion meets Anthony Hamilton at the Guild Hall in the second round this afternoon, hoping to humble his Nottingham opponent and reach the last 16.

The pair practice together, but make no bones about it – both players will be looking to progress to the next stage of the Lancashire-based competition.

Hamilton can’t wait to play the Rocket and said: “I fancy the job! I’m really looking forward to it. You always look forward to playing Ronnie.

“He’s had the better of our previous meetings, but I played really well against Joe Jogia and fancy my chances.

“Ronnie’s the favourite and the last time we played he beat me 5-3. That was at the Welsh Open last season, but I’ve got nothing to lose.

“I played my best snooker all season when I played Ronnie last, so I wasn’t too disappointed to have lost.”