Taylor, nicknamed 'The Power', opens up against debutant Paul Williams at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex on Saturday.

The 41-year-old will start as overwhelming favourite for the title, but insists he is taking nothing for granted.

"I practised a lot for this tournament and I'm really, really excited about it," he said.

"I am also a bit nervous which is good and I think it is going to be the best one ever, to be honest."

Taylor suffered a rare setback in October when losing to qualifier Kevin Painter in the first round of the World Grand Prix, which was won by Alan Warriner.

And he aims to use that defeat as a motivating factor in Purfleet.

"I'm hungrier than I've ever been, so all those players who feel I can be beaten are going to be shown I am out to win and no one will be in my way," he said.

"It's put more pressure on me. They are all good players or else they wouldn't be here."