The event, one of the most prestigious competitions on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Series, will be held from January 12 to 19.

It was one of the first events to be held in Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall, when the venue was made available for public use in 1995.

The annual tournament was briefly absent from the site from 1996 to 1998.

Ahead of the 20th staging of the competition at the venue, promoters claim the Tournament of Champions has been one of the most picturesque and spectator-friendly tournaments in the world.

“We are so excited to be celebrating our 20th anniversary of presenting all of the world’s best squash players in the extraordinary setting of Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall,” Nimick, President of Squash Engine, the tournament promoter, said. 

“The grandeur and vitality of Grand Central Terminal as a venue for competition among the top-ranking players has created an unparalleled spectator experience for our onsite sell-out crowds, as well as fans worldwide who follow the action on live web-streaming or broadcast TV.

“In the Tournament of Champions two decades in Grand Central Terminal, the championship has become the players’ favourite place to play, is a must-see event for fans locally and globally and has become increasingly valuable as a major international sports property.”

“In 2017, the addition of the Great Northern Food Hall in Vanderbilt Hall will add another level of hospitality for our onsite fans.

“We are looking forward to continuing our tradition of combining one of the world’s great sports properties with one of NYC’s great community events.”

Fans will be able to watch the action from the ticketed seats in the stadium, as well as in free standing room areas or on television screens on the west side of the hall.

A total of 128 players are due to compete at the tournament including defending champions Mohamed Elshorbagy and Nour El Sherbini, with the Egyptian duo also currently heading the men’s and women’s world rankings respectively.

The PSA have claimed that the 2016 edition of the event enjoyed 704 hours of global coverage and attracted 2.2 million viewers.

In September of last year, the PSA announced the 2016 J.P Morgan Tournament of Champions would have parity in prize money between men’s and women’s events for the first time.

The event, which took place from January 7 to 14, saw $300,000 (£206,000/€261,000) in cumulative prize money on offer for men's and women's competitors and followed the upgrading to PSA World Series status for the women's event in 2016.