Withdrawals Reshape Nanjing International Championship Draw

The International Championship gets under way in Nanjing on Sunday with a strong entry list, a top prize of 175,000 and several late withdrawals reshaping the opening round. The ranking event runs from November 2 to November 9 at the South New City National Fitness Center and will feature defending champion Ding Junhui alongside world champion Zhao Xintong and seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who will play an exhibition in Macau ahead of the tournament.

Organisers confirmed a total prize fund of 825,000, with the winner receiving 175,000. Matches are best of 11 frames through most rounds, with semifinals best of 17 played over two sessions and the final best of 19 over two sessions. Broadcasters will provide live coverage for UK viewers on TNT Sports and via the discovery streaming service.

Tournament officials announced five withdrawals after qualifying concluded. Mark Williams cited a respiratory infection, Ali Carter withdrew for personal reasons, Ken Doherty pulled out because of illness, Sam Craigie withdrew for medical reasons and David Gilbert stepped away for personal reasons. As a consequence, Neil Robertson and several other players have received byes into...