Next year's World Tour will be split into two tiers, with six platinum events and six regular events scheduled.

The half-dozen platinum events will offer higher prize money and be of an increased level of organisation, according to the ITTF.

It is hoped this will ensure the attendance of the world's best players and result in more international exposure for the hosts.

Qatar’s capital Doha, which hosted last year’s ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, is scheduled to stage the first platinum event from March 8 to 11.

This will be followed by events in German city Bremen from March 23 to 25, Shenzhen in China from May 31 to June 3 and South Korean city Incheon from July 19 to 22.

Linz in Austria is due to put on an event from October 4 to 7, while Australian city Gold Coast, hosts of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, is set to welcome players from November 8 to 11.

Hungary’s capital Budapest is scheduled to host the first regular event of 2018 from January 18 to 21 with others following in Hong Kong from May 24 to 27 and Japanese city Fukuoka from June 7 to 10.

Bulgarian town Panagyurishte is due to stage an event from August 16 to 19, while the other two competitions are set for Czech city Olomouc from August 23 to 26 and Sweden’s capital Stockholm from November 1 to 4.

The ITTF has billed the 2018 World Tour as the "biggest in history".

More prize money will be on offer, while the world governing body has promised more fan engagement and a better television spectacle for the worldwide audience.

"In 2017 we relaunched the ITTF World Tour with a new logo, new branding, new competition structure and better conditions for the players," Karl Jindrak, the ITTF’s director of competitions, said.

"This has resulted in record prize money for 2017, and we hope to break this record again in 2018 and to keep moving the ITTF World Tour forward to make it the best product possible for our players, fans and members."

South Korea has moved back up to the top World Tour tier for the first time after missing out last year.

The country replaces Japan, which has moved down a tier.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, is back hosting a World Tour event for the first time since 2006, when it was home to the Grand Finals.

The 12 events all offer World Tour standings points, which will be used to determine the top 16 players who will qualify for the 2018 World Tour Grand Finals.

The Finals are due to be held from December 13 to 16 in a location to be determined.

To view the full 2018 World Tour calendar, click here.

The ITTF has also confirmed that bidding for its 2018 Challenge Series, which offers the opportunity for new and upcoming players to earn international recognition and experience, is now open.

Interested bidders can find information on the process here.