Laura Massaro is new world number one, Nicol remains in third position

According to the Professional Squash Association (PSA), the 32-year-old Massaro becomes the third Englishwoman to occupy the coveted World number one spot after disposing Egyptian Raneem El Welily in the January 2016 PSA Women's World Rankings list.

The Englishwoman had claimed three PSA World Tour titles and competed in four of a possible five finals to surge to the top and become World number one for the first time in her career, following in the footsteps of compatriots Cassie Jackman (2004) and Lisa Opie (1988).

Massaro secured her place at the summit of the World Rankings with a victory over Raneem El Welily, who occupied the position from September to December, when Raneem lost to long-time rival Nicol in the semi-final of the recent Hong Kong Open.

"The battle between Raneem, Nicol and myself is an interesting one but there are so many players in the top ten, capable of winning big matches and winning titles, that there’s more uncertainty at tournaments now than ever before," said Massaro.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's current number two Delia Arnold moved up two spots to 16th place and Low Wee Wern, who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery on her left knee in April, stands at 30th position.