The eight-time world champion first headed the rankings in January 2006, and despite falling to world number two in April of that year, she reclaimed pole position four months later and has reigned supreme since.

The 31-year-old from Penang has eclipsed the 105-month mark set in February 1993 by Dame Susan Devoy, the four-time world champion and eight-time British Open champion from New Zealand.

"Being number one is something you have to earn every day," said David.

"For me, it is really about playing the tournaments.

"Everything else is a bonus."

David has also extended her unbroken reign at the top of the world rankings to 103 months stretching back to August 2006 - 45 months ahead of her nearest rival Dame Susan, who dominated the women's game in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The record was saluted at last month's JP Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York City, where tournament chairman John Nimick and associate director Beth Rasin presented the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist with a congratulatory poster signed by the rest of the world's top players.

Nicol David (near) has eclipsed the 105-month mark set by New Zealand's Dame Susan Devoy in February 1993 ©Getty Images





"Nicol's accomplishments place her among the greatest athletes in history, and she has certainly elevated our sport," said Nimick as he identified other number one record holders.

They included American golfer Tiger Woods, who topped the world rankings for 138 months, American 400 metres hurdler Edwin Moses, who was unbeaten for 132 months , Scottish snooker player Stephen Hendry, who led his sport's rankings for 108 months, and German Steffi Graf, the top women's tennis player for 94 months. 

"Nicol's passion for the game and her desire to always be the best she can be inspires us all," said Nimick.

WSA chief executive Tommy Berden praised the four-time Asian Games gold medallist, adding: "To become number one in the world is a unique and outstanding performance in itself, but to hold the top spot for 106 months is simply astonishing.

"It's a fabulous accomplishment that deserves to be recognised and I am delighted that the Tournament of Champions took the liberty to put Nicol in the limelight for yet another one of her remarkable achievements."

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