Squash: Nicol's high court in the new world

Iain Fletcher talks to the Scot who will displace a squash legend this week

THINK of squash and you think of Jansher Khan. Since becoming the world No 1 in January 1988 Jansher has retained that spot for a total of 96 months and never dropped below second. His dominance over the rest of the sport has been so great that any defeat granted the victor the fleeting moments of fame that Andy Warhol promised. But (and in the scale of buts this is a Pavarotti) perceptions may have to change as one man prepares to assume pole position.

Step up Peter Nicol, a 24-year-old from Inveurie, near Aberdeen. A magnificent patch of form in 1997 saw him win four tournaments and come runner-up in three, including the World Open. The worst the young Scot fared in any tournament was to reach the semi-finals. More importantly, he defeated Jansher three times, the once unthinkable becoming commonplace, and that is why Nicol will be announced as the new No 1 this week at the National Championships in Manchester.

"The first time I beat him in 1994 I didn't understand what I'd done. It just didn't sink in," said Nicol. "But I walk on court now thinking I've got him. I'm prepared to go to the very end to win and Jansher isn't, so he tries to finish me off quickly."

A wise tactic for Jansher considering Nicol's superior fitness and agility, but Jonah Barrington, Britain's only other world No 1 back in 1973, believes Jansher's fitness has suffered because he has ruled the roost rather too easily in recent years. "Squash like any sport needs many contenders to create excitement and interest but Jansher's dominance meant that he could play in a comfort zone and with his talent still win," Barrington said. "Peter has now shattered the psychological hold that Jansher had over the other players.

"I think squash is entering another golden period with an excellent clutch of young players competing for every title and obviously Peter is at the top of that list. Especially pleasing is the quality in depth in Britain. Players like Simon Parke, Peter Marshall, Del Harris and Alex Gough will look at Peter's achievements and hopefully it will inspire them to greater heights and take squash as a game with them."

The widening popularity of squash as a global game can be seen by the fact that the top seven players in the rankings come from different countries. Australia, Egypt, Canada, Wales, Scotland, England and, of course, Pakistan all feature, proving that the world is there for the taking.

"This is excellent for squash," Barrington said. "The more countries that have stars the better, because it increases the interest and number of children that will play the game, and that is what it is all about."

A sentiment echoed by Nicol, who has recently bought a squash club in Scotland where children will receive coaching and be able to play during the summer free of charge. A fine gesture from one so young, but like everything surrounding his career, it has been carefully thought out.

"The problem with squash, particularly in Scotland, is that it hasn't been nurtured," Nicol explained. "I have only got this far through parental support and help from individual organisations or people. Now I want to use my position to assist others so I asked a sponsor to help me in attracting children to squash in Scotland. I do free coaching sessions for children, not for a pat on the back, but because I believe in it and because people helped me."

Squash is fortunate to have such a level-headed young man as its world leader at a time when the sport needs to shake off its "one champion" image. Jansher's reaction to being usurped is eagerly awaited and the first indication will come at the British Open in March.

One thing is certain: Jansher will not go quietly, which will make for an enthralling tournament. For Nicol, however, the immediate aim is to secure the national title this week and begin his reign on a rousing note.