December Rankings: Baby Face Assassin Abdel Gawad back top 3, Ragging Bull top 20…

CIB Karim Abdel Gawad has overtaken CIB Tarek Momen to return to the top three of the PSA Men’s World Rankings for the first time since November 2017.

Gawad, a former World No.1, won two titles during November as he continued his 100 per cent record in front of the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza, beating current World No.1 CIB Ali Farag to lift the inaugural CIB Egyptian Squash Open trophy on November 1.

Despite a disappointing defeat to England’s James Willstrop in the PSA Men’s World Championship two weeks later in Qatar, Gawad bounced back to take the honours at the Channel VAS Championships at St George’s Hill in Weybridge, downing World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy to ensure he rises above compatriot Momen.

Momen captured the first major title of his career in Qatar as he won the World Championship, but still falls a spot to No.4, where he sits a place ahead of the man he beat in the final, Paul Coll.

CIB Mohamed Abouelghar (No.8) retains his places, while CIB Marwan ElShorbagy rises to No.9, switching places with Miguel Rodriguez, who drops to No.10.

Egypt’s Fares Dessouky rises two places to No.11, which is his highest ranking since November 2017.

Zahed Sherin Salem rises two spots to return to a joint career-high of No.14, while Omar Mosaad falls to No.16 ahead of Willstrop at No.17. Mazen Hesham is at No.18, while it’s a highest-ranking for Mostafa Asal  at WR20.