Nicol notches yet another milestone

Still breaking records: World No. 7 Nicol David now holds the record for the longest consecutive period in the top 10 at 151 months.

KUALA LUMPUR: Nicol David continues to make squash history.

The 33-year-old Penangite has now held a top-10 spot in world squash for the longest consecutive time – 151 months.

The world No. 7 has now overtaken the 150-month record held by Britain’s Peter Nicol when he retired in October 2006.

Two-time world junior champion Nicol first broke into the top 10 in January 2004.

Exactly two years later, she took over the number one spot in world ranking for the first time.

In August 2006, Nicol began an unprecedented 109-month run as the world No. 1.

Ten-time British Open champion Jahangir Khan, who stayed unbeaten for over 5½ years in the 1980s, said: “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 World Squash Federation Hall of Famer and five-time Australian world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald 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.”