Guyana's Squash queen Nicolette Fernandes rose one place higher in the world Squash rankings following the release of the new ratings on the World Squash website.
It was also indicated that, Fernandes, the 23-year-old, who was recently crowned the Central America & Caribbean Games champion, followed her success of winning the Women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) Most Improved Player of the Year award at the World Squash Awards before Christmas by reaching a career-high world No28 ranking in the new list.
Fernandes has shown the dedication necessary to training and would be happy with her latest move in the ratings. She is focused on moving into the top 10 and winning tournaments on the international circuit.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's Nicol David, who became the first Asian woman to top the world squash rankings in January 2006, begins her second year at No1 in the new January 2007 Women's World Squash Rankings, published by the (WISPA).
The 23-year-old from Penang, winner of eight titles in 2006 - including her second World Open and British Open crowns, her second Asian Games gold medal and her fifth Asian Championship title – rounded off her glittering year by winning the WISPA Female Player of the Year award at the World Squash Awards in London.
David's great Australian rival Rachael Grinham holds onto second place in the New Year list, ahead of third-placed Vanessa Atkinson, from the Netherlands, and her younger sister Natalie Grinham, at No4.
The remainder of the top ten list is virtually unchanged, with Tania Bailey heading the English contingent at No5 and Ireland's Madeline Perry in sixth place. Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kawy leapfrogs England's Jenny Duncalf to take over the No9 slot.
Almost before the ink on the new list is dry, all of the top ten - barring Nicol David - will compete for the first WISPA Gold title of 2007 at The Marsh Apawamis Open in New York, USA, next week. Vanessa Atkinson, victor over David in last year's final, is expected to come up against Rachael Grinham in the 2007 final on Monday (8th January).
A notable breakthrough in the first WISPA rankings of 2007 is achieved by Welsh champion Tegwen Malik – who leaps five places to return to the top 20 at 19 for the first time since September 2000. Plagued by a mystery virus, the former world No16 from Swansea dropped to 132 before slowly making her way back to the game's elite.
Just outside the top 20, England's Lauren Briggs records her best-ever ranking at 21 – while New Zealander Jaclyn Hawkes (24); Malaysia's Tricia Chuah (25); and England's Sarah Kippax (30) also mark career-best rankings.