USA-based Indian squash player Vikram Malhotra’s stupendous success in the PSA circuit has seen him break into the world’s top 100 in the latest world rankings released on April 1. The 26-year-old, who has won two titles in the last three months, has jumped 33 places to shoot up to a career-best 92nd position.
Malhotra has been a revelation of late and has scooped up titles at the Florida State Open in December, before adding the Malaysian Tour Leg 1 title in March. Besides these, he also reached the final of the Seattle Open in early March that helped in his rise up the rankings.
Mahesh Mangaonkar is the other Indian who too had a significant improvement in the rankings by dint of his confident display at the Sekisui Open which saw him grabbing his fifth career PSA title. He ascended seven spots to be ranked 58th.
Among the other Indians, Saurav Ghosal, who caused a big upset at the British Open, rose one spot to be 18th. Former national champion Harinderpal Sandhu is 72nd while Kush Kumar is 95th.
No change for Joshna, Dipika drops one spot
On the women’s side, Joshna Chinappa continues to remain static at 14th while Dipika Pallikal, who did not play at the British Open, dropped one place to 19th.
Sachika Ingale, who made it to the quarter-finals of the Calgary Open, attained her career-best ranking of 81st.
Lowest ranking in 12 years for Nicol David
The top pile of the world rankings saw some major changes as 20-year-old British Open champion Nour El Sherbini stormed to World No. 2 for the very first time, replacing the legendary Nicol David from the second spot. While Laura Massaro is still at the pinnacle, eight-time world champion David dropped to the fifth spot, her lowest ranking since 2004.
On the men’s side, Egyptian World No. 1 Mohamed Elshorbagy stamped his authority even further as he broke the record for the highest points average. The 25-year-old won both the Windy City Open as well as the British Open in March.
