The Women's International Squash Players' Association has confirmed that the 2011 US Open will become part of the WISPA World Series - and boast the biggest prize-fund in its history.

The move will see the prize-fund double from the 2010 figure to $60,000 - and the prestigious event join the raft of events on the re-branded WISPA World Series, the top tier events on the women's tour.

Drexel University will host the 2011 US Open Squash Championships at the newly-renovated Daskalakis Athletic Center, in downtown Philadelphia, from 1-6 October.

The event will enjoy a similar status to the men's PSA event in what will be only the second time in the history of the competition that the two events have been staged simultaneously.

"We are delighted that US Squash has been able to confirm that the US Open in Philadelphia will be part of this exciting new era," said WISPA Tour Director Tim Garner.

"It is only right that such a prestigious title is part of the elite group on the WISPA World Tour. The US is key market for squash and we are keen to be able to help push the profile of the sport there. We hope to add further events to the WISPA World Series in the near future."

US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein is also delighted to be backing this historic initiative: "We are proud to have the US Open as part of the WISPA World Series. We support the increased partnership between WISPA and PSA, and bringing the men's and women's tour naming into alignment makes sense.

"Drexel University will be an outstanding host this year as we run the men's and women's championships simultaneously for only the second time ever. This is a major first step towards our long term goal of making the US Open the largest prize money squash tournament in the world."

Malaysia's world No1 Nicol David currently leads the WISPA World Series Standings after winning the inaugural event, the Cedrus Investments Cayman Islands Open in April.