Malaysian squash queen Nicol David has achieved a remarkable feat of maintaining the Women’s World No.1 title for an astonishing 108 months, according to the latest Women’s International Squash Player Association (WISPA) ranking for July.
The 31-year old Penangite became No.1 in January 2006, and the proceeded to claim the crown back later in August. Since then she has been unstoppable, winning highly reputed titles, including eight World Championships.
“It certainly feels special. I can’t believe that I have been world number one for nine years. Time has surely flown by,” said David, who collected a total of 3, 241 points based on the current rankings.
“Sometimes I get so caught up on working on getting better and improving myself that it’s only when I take a bit of time off to reflect that I come to terms with it.”
She noted that the sport still has a lot more to offer, in terms of excitement and experience.
“That keeps me motivated. My goals now are to stay on top of my game throughout the new season and to do my best at each tournament, as well as to enjoy every moment that I am competing on these spectacular glass courts around the world,” she was quoted saying on the squash website, www.squashinfo.com.
However, Egyptian rival Raneem El Weleily has since narrowed the gap between herself and David to just 43 points, following her success in claiming the Alexandria International Open in June.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting year with everyone pushing the competition on but I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” added David.
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