O'Sullivan beat Liang Wenbo of China 10-5 in last year's final

Ronnie O'Sullivan says he will not be defending his Shanghai Masters title because he wants to spend more time with his family.

The three-time world champion has ruled out flying to China for the tournament, which starts on 6 September.

"This has been a very difficult decision. However I have a very young family and I need to spend more time with them," said the world number two.

O'Sullivan, 34, beat Liang Wenbo of China 10-5 in the 2009 final.

The Englishman was due to play China's Tian Pengfei or Jamie Burnett of Scotland in the first round of this year's competition.

"I'm truly sorry to my fans in China," added O'Sullivan, who has a three-year-old son, also called Ronnie, and daughter Lily, four.

606: DEBATE Have your say on O'Sullivan's decision not to defend his title

"I love meeting and playing in front of some of the most passionate people in the world. I very much look forward to returning to China soon."

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn stated: "It's very disappointing for his fans in China but we understand the personal reasons behind Ronnie's withdrawal."

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