Egypt’s Amina Orfi Becomes Youngest Female World No.1 in Squash History

Egyptian squash player Amina Orfi has reached the top of the women’s game at just 19 years old, officially becoming the youngest female World No.1 in the history of the sport.

The new rankings, released on Monday, 21 September, confirm Orfi’s historic rise to the summit of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Squash Tour. At 19 years and two months, she has surpassed the previous record held by New Zealand squash legend Susan Devoy, who reached World No.1 in 1984 at 20 years and two months.

Orfi earned the ranking after winning the QTerminals Qatar Classic in Doha last week, where she faced fellow Egyptian Hania El Hammamy, who entered the tournament as the World No.1.

The final lasted 107 minutes, with Orfi fighting back after losing the opening game. She eventually defeated El Hammamy 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 12-10 to claim the title.

The result also brought an end to El Hammamy’s time at the top of the women’s rankings, with Orfi moving into the No.1 position.

“It feels amazing,” Orfi said following the victory.

For the Egyptian teenager, becoming World No.1 adds another major achievement to what has already been a remarkable 2026.

Earlier this year, Orfi became the youngest women’s World Champion in squash history after defeating fellow Egyptian Nour El Sherbini in the World Championship final in Giza. She also won the British Open, giving her three major achievements in the sport this year.

Her latest achievement follows years of success on the junior circuit. Orfi won four U19 World Junior Championship titles, the most by any player, before making her mark on the senior PSA Tour.

Orfi’s rise also comes within a sport where Egypt has established a long history of success. Egyptian players have held the top positions in both the men’s and women’s game, with athletes including Amr Shabana, Ramy Ashour, Ali Farag, Raneem El Welily and Nour El Sherbini becoming World No.1s and world champions. El Welily was the first Egyptian woman to reach the top of the world rankings, while El Sherbini has won multiple World Championship titles. Egyptian players have also dominated major international team and junior competitions over the past two decades.

With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Orfi now begins a new chapter of her career from the highest position in the women’s rankings.