Nicol David back into world's top 3 as squash rankings released

For the first time, the rankings see both the men’s and women’s systems adhering to the same criteria as the Professional Squash Association take another step towards fully aligning the women’s and men’s games.

The change in system means that David leapfrogs Egypt’s Raneem El Welily to return to the world’s top three for the first time since March, while World Champion Nour El Sherbini of Egypt stays at No.1, followed by England’s Laura Massaro.

World Junior Champion Nouran Gohar and France’s Camille Serme stay at No.5 and No.6, respectively, but United States No.1 Amanda Sobhy falls one place to No.8, switching places with Omneya Abdel Kawy.

New Zealander Joelle King remains at No.9 and Hong Kong’s Annie Au rounds off the top 10 after two months outside.

In the men’s rankings, Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy has retained his top slot for an eighth successive month and a 21st month overall – equalling the time long-term rival Ramy Ashour topped the standings between 2010-2013.

An unchanged top 10 features five other Egyptians, with Omar Mosaad at No.3, ElShorbagy’s brother, Marwan, at No.6 and Karim Abdel Gawad, Ali Farag and Tarek Momen at No.8, No.9 and No.10, respectively.

World Champion Gregory Gaultier stays at No.2, while England’s Nick Matthew remains at No.4. Colombia’s Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet are the other non-Egyptians in the top 10 and have respective rankings of No.5 and No.7.

Elsewhere, Ashour maintains his No.12 ranking, while compatriot Fares Dessouky sits at No.15. English duo James Willstrop and Daryl Selby cap off the top 20 at No.19 and No.20, respectively.