Record top 20 spread in latest WSA world rankings

London, Feb 05, 2014: Today’s publication of the February Women’s Squash Association World Rankings shows a record 13 nations represented in the top 20. Malaysian Nicol David heads the list – extending to 91 months the longest ever unbroken reign as world number one.

The unchanged top five sees England’s Laura Massaro at two; Egyptian Raneem El Welily at No3; England’s British national champion Alison Waters at four; and New Zealander Joelle King in fifth place.

In the only change in the top ten, Dipika Pallikal consolidates her position as the top-ranked Indian by moving up to a career-equalling-high No10. The 22-year-old from Chennai won two WSA World Tour titles in 2013.

But it is further representation in the top 20 from Ireland, France, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Australia, USA,Denmark and Guyana – after Nicolette Fernandes celebrates a two-place leap to a career-high-equalling 19 – that provides the most notable feature of the latest WSA list.

“This is a wonderful indication of the spread of top women’s squash talent around the world – and gives us great optimism as we look to expand both the membership and calendar of women’s events,” said newly-elected WSA President Kasey Brown, the world No13 from Australia.

“It is also highly encouraging to look further down the rankings and see our stars of the future like Misaki Kobayashi, a career-high world No29 and already the highest-ranked Japanese player of all-time; 21-year-old Welsh player Tesni Evansat a best-ever No36; 23-year-old Samantha Cornett leading the way for Canada just outside the top 30; and Czech players like Lucie Fialova making great progress,” added Brown.

February top 20 (inc. points average):