Ronnie progresses at Shanghai Masters

The three-time world champion hit breaks of 111 and 110 on the way to a 5-1 victory to seal a second-round meeting with Anthony Hamilton.

Meanwhile, world number two Mark Selby beat Nigel Bond 5-3 and Shaun Murphy recovered from 4-1 down to beat Dominic Dale 5-4.

However, defending champion Ali Carter went down to a 5-4 defeat by Mark King.

O'Sullivan, the 2009 champion, missed the 2010 tournament but said he was looking to mark his return to China with a maximum 147 break.

"It's nice to go into an arena where there are so many fans wanting to watch you play and I was pleased to be able to entertain," said the world number 10.

"I know they want me to make a 147 and I'll be doing my best to get one here.

"It would be great to win this title again but all the best players are here so it will be difficult. If I can stop missing silly balls I'll have a chance, but it's too early to predict how far I can get."

Hamilton booked his place in the second round by hitting three centuries on the way to a 5-4 win over Stephen Maguire, while Jamie Cope beat Jack Lisowski 5-3.

Elsewhere, Mark Allen defeated Ryan Day 5-2 and Fergal O'Brien earned a 5-3 win against Peter Ebdon.