Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful and feared criminal organisations in Mexico, have torched businesses and erected burning blockades since El Mencho’s death.

The Mexican Open issued a statement saying “the supposed cancellation of the event due to security issues in Jalisco is false”.

It said: “The event continues as scheduled and tournament operations are proceeding normally.

“We remain in coordination and constant communication with federal, state, and municipal authorities, under the established security protocols.”

Britons Katie Boulter and Heather Watson are due to compete in the Merida Open in Mexico this week.

The event takes place in the state of Yucatan, which does not appear to have been significantly affected by the violence.

Boulter plays Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia on Monday and Watson faces Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Tuesday.

Reuters reported that a men’s football match between Queretaro and FC Juarez and a women’s game involving Chivas and America have been postponed indefinitely.

It also said a match between Necaxa and Queretaro in Aguascalientes was postponed when players fled the pitch after hearing loud noises outside Estadio Victoria. The match resumed later.