Squash queen Nicol David to retire at end of season

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Eight-time world champion Nicol Ann David will retire at the end of the 2018-19 squash season.

The Malaysian squash queen broke the news in a statement posted late Monday on the website of the Professional Squash Association, the sport's governing body.

“After more than 20 years playing squash for Malaysia, competing on the professional tour and achieving the utmost best from my career ...," the statement read."I can proudly say that I am ready and happy to announce my retirement at the end of this seasonal tour.

“This decision has been thought through for quite some time and I do know this is my last season. This is a moment that every athlete must go through, to explore fully on what more there is in store for them. I am now at this point in my life, ready to take on more beyond the pro tour.”

Nicol David of Malaysia competes against compatriot Sivasangari Subramaniam during the Women's Squash Singles Final of the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 26, 2018. /VCG Photo

This decision will bring down the curtain on the legendary player's illustrious career. The 35-year-old is the most successful women squash players of all time, spending an unprecedented nine years as world number one between 2006 and 2015.

The squash icon, who achieved the longest unbroken run inside the world's top five at 143 months, has also won five British Open titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, five Asian Games gold medals and three World Games gold medals in her unparalleled and superlative career, spanning two decades.

Either the British Open in Hull in May or the World Tour Finals in June will mark David's swansong from international squash.

Gold medalist Nicol Ann David of Malaysia celebrates on the podium during Women's Squash Singles victory ceremony at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 26, 2018. /VCG Photo

Malaysian daily Star quoted her father saying, “She gave it all. When you come to her age in any sport, you probably have given it everything.”

Since winning her first Asian Games gold in 1998 at the age of 15, there was no looking back for the prolific player in the highly competitive world of professional snooker as she went on to bag 81 PSA singles title.

Meanwhile, Alex Gough, the PSA chief executive, hailed the superstar, saying, “Nicol is undoubtedly one of the greatest squash players of all time and her presence on the tour will be sorely missed.”

David has been seeded 13th as she begins her quest for a ninth crown in her final World Championship, getting underway in Chicago on Saturday.

She has also mentioned that she would be joining the PSA after her retirement to help raise awareness of the sport while also helping young girls “reach their full potential” through the Nicol David Foundation.

(With inputs from agencies)