Article and image courtesy of the Professional Squash Association.

The U.S. Pro Squash Series returns in 2014 and will begin on Wednesday January 15, when the PSA Challenger 10 Emerson Racquet Club Pro Series event gets underway in St. Louis.

Sixteen players will compete for the first available points on the U.S. Pro Series circuit which will see players from across the globe compete for a bonus prize fund, which will be awarded when the series comes to a conclusion.

American No. 1 Julian Illingworth won the inaugural U.S. Pro Squash Series in 2013, claiming the $5,000 top prize in the process and he’ll be looking to retain the title in what promises to be a hotly contested series from start to finish.

“The 2013 U.S Pro Series was a great success and we’re delighted to see the series return in 2014,” said PSA CEO Alex Gough.

“Squash has enjoyed a recent surge in enthusiasm across the United States and the continued growth of the U.S. Pro Series gives the sport a great platform to maximize on the many opportunities associated with the U.S. Market.”

US SQUASH Vice President Conor O’Malley said: “We were delighted with the response from the players for the 2013, and first, U.S. Pro Squash Series and we’re pleased to be continuing the event in 2014 and hope to build on that success.

With even more tournaments involved this year, we will be taking world class squash to new markets and engage new fans to watch the action unfold thorughout the year.”