Stoehr Sets French Record In New World Rankings

While Nicol David extends her reign at the top of the February Women's World Squash Rankings, published today by the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA), it is Isabelle Stoehr who grabs the headlines after becoming the first French player to claim a place in the top ten.

The 29-year-old from Montpelier enjoyed a highly successful year in 2008, beginning by winning a record-equalling 11th French National title, then going on to add two further WISPA World Tour titles - at the Des Pyramides Open and Sannois International - to bring her career tally to eight.

Nicol David heads an otherwise unchanged top ten, with Natalie Grinham (Netherlands) at two; her older sister Rachael Grinham (Australia) in third place; Natalie Grainger, of the USA, at number four; and England's Jenny Duncalf at five.

Australian Kasey Brown also marks a career-best ranking in the list. The 23-year-old from New South Wales - winner of two Tour titles in 2008 - moves up a single place to No12.

Furthermore, Mexican Samantha Teran celebrates a career-high ranking this month. The 27-year-old from Mexico City - who last month became an Olympic Athlete Ambassador for her sport - rises to 15 after collecting no fewer than five WISPA Tour titles in 2008.

1 [1] Nicol David MAS
2 [2] Natalie Grinham NED
3 [3] Rachael Grinham AUS
4 [4] Natalie Grainger USA
5 [5] Jenny Duncalf ENG
6 [6] Alison Waters ENG
7 [7] Omneya Abdel Kawy EGY
8 [8] Laura Lengthorn-Massaro ENG
9 [9] Madeline Perry IRL
10 [12] Isabelle Stoehr FRA
11 [11] Vanessa Atkinson NED
12 [13] Kasey Brown AUS
13 [10] Shelley Kitchen NZL
14 [15] Rebecca Chiu HKG
15 [16] Samantha Teran MEX
16 [17] Jaclyn Hawkes NZL
17 [18] Tania Bailey ENG
18 [19] Lauren Briggs ENG
19 [20] Raneem El Weleily EGY
20 [21] Engy Kheirallah EGY