Andy Murray has been given a wild card entry to the China Open.

Britain's No.1, currently in the unfamiliar position of being ranked outside the world's top 10, will join Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and newly-crowned US Open winner Marin Cilic in Beijing on September 27.

Murray has not played the event since 2010 and will seek points to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in London.

The Scot said: "I have some great memories of playing tennis in China over the years, I love the country and there are plenty of passionate fans here who enjoy their tennis."

Meanwhile Murray's close friend Ross Hutchins has announced his retirement from professional tennis.

The 29-year-old doubles specialist said the time was right to concentrate on the next stage of his career.

Hutchins tackled and beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2012. It saw him withdraw from the Tour for treatment, returning at the start of this year.

Hutchins retires with five Tour titles to his name, the last with regular partner Colin Fleming at Eastbourne in 2012.

ICE HOCKEY: Braehead Clan hit the road for Challenge Cup group games at Belfast Giants tonight and back in Scotland at Edinburgh Capitals tomorrow.

SNOOKER: Defending champion Ding Junhui will play Stuart Bingham in the semi-final of the Shanghai Masters..

Home hope Ding did not look back after taking the first two frames against Scotland's Graeme Dott, going on to win 5-2. Bingham defeated another Scot, Alan McManus, 5-1.

The other semi will be between Mark Selby and Mark Allen.