Squash World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad is all set to replace Gregory Gaultier as World No.1 in next month’s rankings following his victory over fellow Egyptian Fares Dessouky in the semi-finals of the El Gouna International on Thursday.

In recent months, Gawad has climbed the rankings by winning the World Championship title, Qatar Classic title and Tournament of Champions title.

“Today is extra special for me, reaching the finals here in El Gouna in front of this amazing crowd is a great pleasure for me,” said Gawad.

“It makes me very happy. I didn’t want to think about it [the battle for World No.1] because I’ve been thinking about it a bit in the last two tournaments and it affected my way of playing so much.

“I don’t want to think too much about it [being World No.1] because I still have one more match and this is more important for me. Tomorrow is another day, I have to keep my focus and I have to concentrate as much as I can.”

Check out the moment he won the game against Dessouky to seal top spot in the rankings below.