Mark Selby suffers Wuxi Classic defeat by Andrew Pagett

World number one Mark Selby has been knocked out of the Wuxi Classic by Andrew Pagett in the qualifiers.

It is the first time that players in the world's top 16 are required to qualify for a major snooker event.

Pagett's shock 5-3 win in Gloucester means he qualifies for the main event in China which begins on 17 June.

Reigning world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the tournament - the first of the season - citing personal reasons.

The 37-year-old became only the third player, after Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry, to defend his world crown earlier this month with his fifth victory in the Crucible.

O'Sullivan had played just one competitive match between winning his fourth title and beginning his campaign for a fifth. Following the success, he claimed he was ready to retire, before later saying he could not afford to quit.

Michael Wasley, who O'Sullivan was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, will receive a bye through to the main event in China.

The qualifiers are taking place at the South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester, with all 128 tour players starting in the same round as part of a new format.

Players have to win at least one match to get any prize money. Those who progress to the last 64 in China will be guaranteed a minimum of £3,000 while the winner receives £80,000.

Elsewhere in the draw, six-time World Championship finalist Jimmy White sealed his place on the plane to China with a 5-3 win over Lee Page, while defending champion Ricky Walden edged past Pankaj Advani 5-4.

Former world champion Mark Williams beat Ross Muir 5-1 while Ryan Day survived a scare to beat Noppon Saengkham 5-4.