England’s Laura Massaro remains at the top of the women's rankings ©squashpics.com

England’s Laura Massaro remains at the top of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Rankings for the second successive month despite her quarter-final exit at the Tournament of Champions.

The 32-year-old had become only the third Englishwoman to hold the number one ranking after being elevated to the position last month, as a result of her wins at World Tour events in Macau, Qatar and the United States during December.

Only Lisa Opie and Cassie Jackman had previously achieved the feat for England, as they topped the rankings in 1988 and 2004 respectively.

Massaro was aiming to mark her first tournament as the number one by earning a maiden triumph at the Tournament of Champions.

However, she was eliminated by world junior champion Nouran Gohar, with the Egyptian eventually progressing to the semi-finals.

Her fellow Egyptian Nour El Sherbini eventually triumphed at the tournament by defeating home favourite Amanda Sobhy of the United States 11-4, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8.

El Sherbini has been rewarded for securing her first PSA title by moving up to fourth in the world rankings, while Gohar has moved to a career-high eighth.

Massaro, though, remains at the top of the rankings, with Malaysia’s Nicol David having moved back into second position after spending a month in third.

The high calibre of the women’s game is evident by Egypt’s Raneem El Welily dropping to third place, despite having topped the standings just two months ago.

Egypt’s Ali Farag has broken into the top 16 for the first time in his career
Egypt’s Ali Farag has broken into the top 16 for the first time in his career ©squashpics.com

Meanwhile, the top four positions in the men’s rankings remain unchanged, with Egypt’s Mohamed Elshorbagy remaining the world number one.

The 25-year-old successfully defended his Tournament of Champions title by beating England’s Nick Matthew in the final for the second straight year.

Matthew remains third in the rankings, with reigning world champion Gregory Gaultier of France lying in second and Egypt’s Omar Mosaad occupying fourth.

The biggest mover this month was Egypt’s Ali Farag, who rose nine places to break into the top 16 for the first time in his career, following his win at the PSA M70 Motor City Open.

“Breaking into the top 16 is unbelievable,” said Farag, the new world number 13.

“I remember when I was young I used to look up the top players and think how could I ever be one of the best players in the world.

"It is something that I will forever cherish and be grateful for, it’s another step towards my number one goal and I’m glad to be on the right track."