The PSA had been conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests but decided to replace them with rapid lateral flow tests during the El Gouna International in May and has chosen to continue with this method for the World Championships, which is due to start on Wednesday (July 14) and conclude on July 22.

It is claimed that this method of testing is more practical.

A negative PCR test is required before arrival in Chicago, with a further one required to enter the event bubble, after which a rapid antigen test will be used every four days as an additional belt-and-braces safety measure.

MEDsan UK’s rapid antigen tests can be taken on site, on the day of competition, with results generated within just 20 minutes.

The rapid antigen test is manufactured in Germany, with a clinical sensitivity, it is claimed, of 92.5 per cent.

"Conducting rapid antigen tests worked well for us at previous tournaments and we have decided to continue this approach for the World Championships," Tim Garner, the event director of the PSA said.

"It’s the ideal additional safety measure to keep the event bubble secure and safe, which is our main priority."

In addition to the testing protocol, the PSA is following a range of coronavirus countermeasures, including keeping the event bubble separated and distanced from those outside, both at venues and hotels, for the duration of the competition.

"Rapid antigen testing is the only means to reduce the risk to the elite sports community’s professionals and the fans who support them," Paul Hillman, the chief executive of MEDsan UK, said.

"We’re proud to continue our relationship with the PSA after this disruptive time for global sport.

"The PSA are a leading example of how to run international tournaments as safely as possible."