DENNIS Taylor sailed into the last 32 of the Regal Welsh Open at Newport with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Paul Wykes.

The Blackburn-based professional now plays Graham Dott for a place in the last 16. Victory over the Scot could set up a possible clash against Ronnie O'Sullivan.

This is the first ranking tournament of 1996 and Taylor is anxious to do well in order to regain a precious position in snooker's top 16, which guarantees entry into select events.

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