Ronnie skips Shanghai return

World number two not making trip to China to stay at home with family

Last updated: 3rd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ronnie skips Shanghai return

O'Sullivan: Skipping Shanghai

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Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has announced he will travel to try and retain his Roewe Shanghai Masters title next week.

The world number two defeated Liang Wenbo in last year's final but instead of travelling to China again he intends to spend time with his family.

O'Sullivan, 34, said: "This has been a very difficult decision to make, however I have a very young family and at this moment I need to spend more time with them.

"I'm truly sorry to my fans in China, 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 reacted to the absence of the crowd favourite, remarking: "It's very disappointing for his fans in China but we understand the personal reasons behind Ronnie's withdrawal."

Ding involved

The first full ranking event of the new snooker season starts on Monday, and one player definitely playing is China's top player Ding Junhui.

The 23-year-old from Wuxi, who is based in Sheffield, joins the likes of Stephen Hendry and world champion Neil Robertson on the flight to the Far East for the event at the Grand Stage in Shanghai, which runs from September 6 to 12.

All of the top players have competed in the PTC - a series of 12 events in Sheffield and continental Europe building up to a televised finale in March - other than Ding who had not struck a ball in anger yet this season before Thursday's Premier League opener.

"I had a problem with my visa so I wasn't able to get to the UK," he explained. "Everyone else has been playing in the PTC events, so it might be difficult for me in Shanghai because I have not played any matches.

"Since I got back to Sheffield I have been practising every day and I just have to try hard to play well. I'm looking forward to it because it's close to my home town and the support I get from my friends there is very special."

Last season saw a return to form for Ding as he won the Pukka Pies UK Championship and reached two other ranking finals, but he insists that winning more silverware is not his goal for the new campaign.

"I might not win anything, or I might be better than last season," added the player who won two ranking titles in 2005 and one in 2006 before a three-year barren spell. "The only thing that matters is that I am happy playing and feeling good about my game."

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