Jahangir Khan salutes Nicol’s 151 months in world top 10
By HOWARD HARDING – Squash Mad Correspondent
Malaysia’s record eight-time Women’s World Squash Champion Nicol David celebrates an historic milestone this month after reaching her 151st successive month in the world top 10.
The 32-year-old WSF Athletes Commission Director from Penang overtakes the 150-month world top 10 record established by Britain’s Peter Nicol when he retired in October 2006 – and is well ahead of the 142 straight months achieved by Australians Michelle Martin and Liz Irving (David’s long-time coach); the 141-month runs recorded by Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, both from Pakistan; and 140 months by Egyptian Amr Shabana.
David, who alerted the squash world to her formidable potential in July 2001 when she became the first player to win the World Junior title twice, broke into the world top 10 in January 2004 after reaching the World Championship semi-finals for the first time, unseeded.
Exactly two years later, the Penangite took over the No.1 spot for the first time, then in August 2006 began an unprecedented unbroken 109-month reign as the world’s number one player.
Jahangir Khan, the 10-time British Open champion who was unbeaten over five and a half years in the 80s, added: “This achievement cannot be over-estimated. To maintain this level of supremacy over more than 12 and a half years is truly remarkable.
“Nicol’s achievements are universally recognised – she has done much to raise the profile of the sport around the world.”
Fellow WSF Hall of Fame inductee Sarah Fitz-Gerald, the five-time world champion from Australia, said: “What I love about Nicol is she’s possibly oblivious to this milestone she just achieved! To stay in the world’s top 10 for so long is an amazing feat on your body, mind and will power.
“Congratulations and I’m wondering what other milestones are yet to be added to her amazing achievements.”
“Nicol David is a living legend of our sport – this latest achievement is testament to the unique status she has established in world squash,” said World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran.
“Nicol is not only one of the most popular players on the professional circuit, but also a remarkable worldwide ambassador for squash who has worked tirelessly to raise the sports profile in all corners of the globe.
“I doubt there will ever be an equal: Nicol, the WSF wishes you all the very best in the future!”
Picture by STEVE LINE (www.squashpics.com) courtesy of WSF