Former No.1 back near the top after rousing renaissance
By SEAN REUTHE
England’s James Willstrop has moved up three places to World No.6 after the PSA Men’s World Rankings for March were released today (March 1), with the Yorkshireman reaching his highest ranking since November 2014.
A combination of a hip injury and illness saw former World No.1 Willstrop (right) tumble down the rankings over the past two years, at one point dropping out of the world’s top 20 in late 2015.
But a stunning return to form from ‘The Marksman’ saw him claim semi-final finishes at the Delaware Investments U.S. Open and J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions this season, resulting in a virtuoso charge up the world rankings which sees him mixing with the world’s elite once more.
Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy holds on to top spot for a 15th successive month ahead of nearest challenger and world champion Karim Abdel Gawad, while Frenchman Gregory Gaultier, three-time world champion Nick Matthew and the enigmatic Ramy Ashour complete the top five.
Marwan ElShorbagy and the man he beat in last night’s Windy City Open semi-final, Ali Farag, both move down a place to No.7 and No.8, respectively, while Germany’s Simon Rösner rises to No.9. Tarek Momen sits a place behind Rösner to ensure a six-strong Egyptian contingent in the top 10.
Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly is the biggest mover in the top 20 alongside Willstrop, moving up three places to a career-best world No.12, one place behind Fares Dessouky, who rises to world No.11, which is also a career-best ranking.
The 2015 World Championship runner-up Omar Mosaad suffers a decrease in his ranking for the fifth month in a row, falling two places to No.13, while former World No.4 Miguel Angel Rodriguez and England’s Daryl Selby sit at No.14 and No.15, respectively.
Elsewhere, New Zealand’s Paul Coll retains his No.16 ranking, with Max Lee, Cameron Pilley, Mathieu Castagnet and Stephen Coppinger closing out the top 20.
PSA Men’s World Rankings Top 20 – March 2017:
Picture and graphic courtesy of PSA