David's reign extends to 9th year but Egyptian rival closes

Malaysia's Nicol David (R) celebrates after winning their women's single squash match final against her compatriot Low Wee Wern at the Yeorumul Squash Courts during the 17th Asian Games in Incheon September 23, 2014. REUTERS/Issei Kato

(Reuters) - Malaysia's Nicol David celebrates her ninth year as world squash number one this week but her chances of making it a decade of dominance are under severe threat from Raneem El Welily.

The Egyptian won her third major title of the year at the Alexandria International at home earlier this month, closing to within 50 points of David.