Nicol David Begins Sixth Year As World Number One

Malaysia's Nicol David begins her sixth year as world number one this month, according to the new January Women's World Squash Rankings published today by the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA).

The dominant force in women's squash first topped the rankings in January 2006 - and, after dropping to second place for just four months in the year, is now celebrating her 57th month as world No1.

After her now regular early New Year training session in Melbourne with Australian legend Sarah Fitz-Gerald, 27-year-old David will return to World Tour action at the WISPA Gold Cleveland Classic in the USA on 30 January.

England's Jenny Duncalf continues to shadow David in second place, ahead of fellow countrywoman Alison Waters at three, Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kawy in fourth place, and Australia's Rachael Grinham at No5.

But lower in the list, Annie Au celebrates a career-high No12 ranking - and becomes the highest-ranked player from Hong Kong of all-time, moving ahead of former Asian Games champion Rebecca Chiu, who reached a best-ever 13th place in October 2007.

Au, a 21-year-old student at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, scored her biggest Tour title last month, winning the $20,000 Seoul Open in South Korea.

Malaysian Low Wee Wern, who was runner-up in Seoul, also marks a career-best ranking this month - rising two places to No13. The 20-year-old from Penang followed her 11th WISPA Tour final appearance in Korea by reaching the last eight of the Punj Lloyd WISPA Masters in Delhi.

And Egyptian teenager Nour El Tayeb continues her relentless surge up the rankings by moving to a best-ever 17th place. The 17-year-old from Cairo jumped from outside the top 30 into the top twenty last month to become the youngest player in the elite list.

January top 20 (inc. points average):

For the complete WISPA ranking list, see www.wispa.net