The PSA have confirmed round-of-16 and quarter-final matches at the tournament, due to be held at London's East Wintergarden from March 5 to 9, will be best-of-three instead of best-of-five as part of a trial.

Semi-finals and finals will then revert back to the traditional best-of-five format.

It is claimed the move will provide a "more intense viewing experience" for fans.

"The best-of-three scoring system has featured in the season-ending World Series Finals for the past few years and has contributed to what have been some of the most intense and exciting matches of recent seasons," said PSA chief operating officer Lee Beachill.

"Every point matters under the shorter format, a scenario that increases the intensity of the match from the opening exchange and as a sport it would be foolish not to explore the wider opportunities this format could bring to an event."

Beachill added: "For fans it will deliver a more intense viewing experience - with matches played at a higher, more explosive pace - while best-of-three matches also allow players greater recovery time between matches, essential for them to perform at their best day-in, day-out.

"We are excited to see how the format will work in practice during the Canary Wharf Classic."

The Canary Wharf Classic was first held in 2004 as an invitational event featuring the world's top eight players.

It was staged in the same format the following year before it became part of the PSA World Tour in 2006.

"Throughout our 15 year history the Canary Wharf Classic has embraced new technology and developments, forging a reputation as one of the most innovative events on the PSA World Tour," tournament director Tim Garner said.

"The best-of-three format brings a new dynamic to the sport and the crowd at the East Wintergarden - who are amongst the best in the world - will be treated to another installment of world class squash again in 2018, when the drama and skill on show will be greater than ever before."