Mohamed ElShorbagy is proud to have set another Egyptian record of the longest-reigning world number one squash player, having completed 34 months on top of the rankings across three spells. Last month, ElShorbagy surpassed the record of four-time world champion and fellow Egyptian Amr Shabana, who remained on top of the rankings for 33 months. "This is really something special for me. It also shows my hard work and consistency over the years," the 27-year-old told Ahram Online in an interview. ElShorbagy first held top spot in November 2014. He has not looked back since. "When you are on top of the world rankings, the only way to keep yourself motivated is to keep challenging yourself with difference goals and achievements to stay focused as much as possible," he said. ElShorbagy is one of the most decorated Egyptian Squash players of all time, having won a host of titles. His collection of trophies includes a World Open title and two British Open triumphs. He is determined to stay on the top for as long as possible. "Hopefully, if I stayed injury-free and took good care of my body, I will have good years ahead of me," he added. "So, right now, all my focus is being the best I can be while I can." ElShorbagy is gearing up for the new season, saying he is training hard in San Francisco. "I really want to peak for the World Series tournaments and the World championships. That's what I try to do every year." Six out of the top ten in the PSA world rankings are Egyptians: ElShorbagy tops the ranking, followed by Ali Farag (2nd), Marwan ElShorbagy (3rd), Tarek Moemen (4th), Karim Abdel-Gawad (8th) and Ramy Ashour (9th). ElShorbagy's younger brother Marwan is the world number three. Marwan lost to his sibling in the final of the World Championship last December. "I felt really blessed to be part of something special like that," Mohamed ElShorbagy commented. ElShorbagy, who lives in Bristol, is grateful to his family after reaching great heights in squash. "Of course, my family gave me a huge support, helping me become who I am today. I felt so lucky to have such support throughout my career," he added. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
