The body first opened its doors as the Women's Squash Players' Association (WSPA) in Ireland in February 1984 and had 23 members.

Its first elected chairman was New Zealand's Robyn Blackwood, who said it is exciting that the organisation is celebrating its 30th year and congratulated all those who have contributed to its success.

"Thirty years ago there was a groundswell of support from players for a professional association and importantly, a world ranking system for women squash players that was current," said the former world number three.

"It was a buoyant and exciting time in squash with significant numbers of professional players and circuits around the world to compete on.

"The establishment of WSPA was the next logical step.

"We established the world rankings, and the associated systems, very shortly after our inaugural meeting at the Belfast Boat Club."

Susan Devoy, pictured here with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, was the first athlete to top the women's squash world ranking ©Getty Images


It was Blackwood's compatriot Susan Devoy who first topped that world ranking list before going on to retain the number one spot for an unparalleled 105 months.

Twelve players from six countries - New Zealand, Australia, England, US, Netherlands and Malaysia - have now topped the world rankings over the last three decades, with current world number one Nicol David of Malaysia having occupied the leading position since August 2006.

Some 5,000 other players from across the globe have also competed in more than 1,200 events on the international tour.

The WSA has, however, undergone some significant changes recently, with Australia's world number 13 Kasey Brown taking over as President of a new Board of Directors last month following a mass resignation by the old Board.

That came after the sport failed to secure a place on the Olympic programme for Tokyo 2020 and experienced problems in securing a host for the delayed 2013 Women's World Open Squash Championships, which is now due to be held in Penang, Malaysia next month

Kasey Brown is the current President of the WSA ©Getty Images


Brown is now looking ahead to a positive and stable future.

"All professional women squash players should be proud of the growth that the association has achieved over the past three decades and we are indebted to players like Robyn and Rae [Anderson, founding secretary and treasurer] for their foresight back in the 1980s," the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist said.

"WSA boasts some of the fittest athletes on the planet, competing day in day out on a flourishing WSA World Tour which is active on all continents - from traditional squash nations like England, Australia and the US, to newer territories like Mexico, China and Malaysia.

"I am delighted to be part of a new WSA board which is determined to grow the tour over the coming years, led by the WSA vision to inspire, empower and entertain: inspire future female generations to embrace squash as a professional sport, empower girls and women on and off the court and entertain the world."

Anniversary celebrations will be held at the British Open in Hull in May and the US Open later this year.

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