Happy Noel For Joel As He Hits New Career High

Joel Makin has risen to a new career high of 24 in the world in the latest PSA Squash rankings.

The Haverfordwest-born player has improved six places on last month’s previous high of 30.

Makin has had a fine few months on the tour including a victory over world No 1 Mohamed Elshorbagy of Egypt.

And at the end of October he became the first Welshman to appear in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open having seen off Colombian world No.6 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in an earlier round.

Last month he reached the second round of the Hong Kong Open.

Birmingham-based Makin started off the year ranked 41st in the world, but has put his climb up the rankings down to hard work and greater experience.

“There’s been no secret change, it just feels like the accumulation of years of work coming together,” the 24-year-old said recently.

“I feel like I’ve been gradually increasing my level and because of that I’ve been able to impose my game and my physicality on court better so hopefully I can keep going that way.”

Next highest Welshman on the list is Peter Creed who has slipped eight places to 58 in the world.

The Caerphilly-born player will be in action this week at the BlackBall Open in Cairo.

Tesni Evans stays at her career high ninth in the world – the best placing ever achieved by a Welsh female player.

Tesni Evans back in action this week in Monte Carlo. Exclusive Pic: Simon King/Replay Images

The Cardiff-born, Rhyl-based player is also in action this week at the $18,000 Monte Carlo Classic.

Evans is seeded No 2 for the event where she would expect to face No 1 seed Laura Massaro, ranked just on place above her in the current lists, in the final.

And though Evans has a first round bye, the draw has produced an all-Welsh tie with Ali Loke facing Nia Davies.