PSA: Gaultier climbs to three in March rankings

By Alan Thatcher

March 1, 2013 - 10:37am

0 comments

Gregory Gaultier in action in the Davenport North American Open. Picture by DAN BOGOSH

Gaultier Rises To Three In March World Rankings

1 March 2013

While Egypt’s Ramy Ashour and Englishman Nick Matthew strengthen their grip on the top two places, France’sGregory Gaultier moves up to third position in the new March Dunlop PSA Men’s World Squash Rankings published today by the Professional Squash Association.

With three PSA World Tour titles since October, the 30-year-old from Aix-en-Provence is enjoying one the most spectacular phases of his 14-year professional career. Already this year, Gaultier has followed a runners-up berth in the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York with title success in last month’s Case Swedish Open in Linkoping where he upset world No2 Matthew in the final.

His latest achievement saw him notch up his 50th appearance in a PSA Tour final – a magnificent milestone only equalled by Matthew on today’s Tour.

On his new ranking achievement, Gaultier was characteristically cool: “I’m pleased, of course – but my main goal is to win as many tournaments as possible and my main target is, and will always be, the world championship.

“I’m happy with the way I am playing at the moment and I try to stay in that dynamic. I know I have a few more years to play and I think I am getting to maturity now in terms of experience, fitness capacities and technically – even though I can always improve.

“I know that I still have things to improve, including mental strength which was my main problem and that I think I’m getting much much better now. Let’s see how it goes in the next few tournaments!”

England’s James Willstrop slips to fourth place, whilst 22-year-old Mohamed El Shorbagy moves up to a career-equalling-high No5, ahead of fellow Egyptians Karim Darwish and Amr Shabana.

March 2013 top 20 (inc. points average):

For full list – see www.psaworldtour.com