Shaun Murphy is one of three players who have pulled out of the International Championship due to medical reasons.

It comes ahead of the start of the tournament on Saturday in Nanjing, China.

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Murphy, who reached the final in 2019, has withdrawn along with Barry Hawkins and fellow former world champion Luca Brecel.

As a result, their opponents have received byes into the last 32, scooping an extra £4,000 in prize money in the process.

World Snooker Tour statement

The World Snooker Tour confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.

It read: "Shaun Murphy, Barry Hawkins and Luca Brecel have pulled out of the International Championship in Nanjing for medical reasons.

"Murphy was due to play Mitchell Mann in the opening round on Saturday. Mann receives a bye to the last 32.

"Hawkins was due to play Ricky Walden on Saturday. Walden receives a bye to the last 32.

"Brecel was due to meet Thepchaiya Un-Nooh on Sunday. Un-Nooh receives a bye to the last 32."

Mitchell Mann, 2014 winner Ricky Walden and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh will now take home at least £9,000 from the £825,000 prize pot.

Meanwhile, the winner will be awarded £175,000, with the tournament running through to the final on November 7.

Hawkins has confirmed his absence from the event is due to illness.

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Although Murphy has not announced the exact reason behind his withdrawal, he has recently spoken of his issues with tendinitis.

Wu defends International Championship title

This weekend will see the main draw begin after a qualifying stage was held in Leicester in September.

However, several last 128 matches have been held over to be played in Nanjing this week.

They include defending champion Wu Yize's clash with Hammad Miah for a place in the last 64.

World champion Wu beat John Higgins in last year's final to win his first career ranking title.

Higgins is also in the draw again this time around along with the likes of Zhao Xintong, Judd Trump and Mark Selby.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan will not take part, though, after withdrawing during the qualifying stage.

Mark Allen has also opted not to travel to China due to ongoing mental health issues.

It comes after he spoke candidly about his battle at the recent Northern Ireland Open.

Allen revealed he had spent months in a mental health clinic prior to being discharged to play in the event in his native Northern Ireland.