KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's squash legend Nicol David on Tuesday announced her retirement by the middle of this year after nearly two decades of professional play.
In a brief posting on social media, the eight-time world champion said she would depart from the sport at the end of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) season in June.
"I'm truly happy and excited to be sharing with everyone that I'm retiring in June," she said.
"I'd like to thank everyone for supporting me and all your love in the last 20 years and it's time for new and exciting opportunities to come."
The 35-year-old's announcement comes before her ninth and final challenge at World Championships to be held in the United States from Feb. 23 to March 2.
Nicol, who is from the Malaysian state of Penang, held the world No. 1 spot for more than 100 months consecutively between 2006 and 2015.
She started playing the sport at the age of five and had claimed three World Games gold medals, five Asian Games gold medals, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and two British Open titles throughout her 20-year career.
She was the youngest world junior champion when she won the 1999 World Junior Squash Championships in Antwerp, Belgium at the age of 15. She turned pro in 2000.
Failing to realize her dream to play in Olympic Games, Nicol pledged to continue lobbying for the sport.
"I love squash with all my heart, and it will always play an important role in my life, which is why I would like to give back in three ways. By working closely with the PSA to raise the awareness of our sport globally and to build a support team for our professional squash athletes as they continue to raise the bar on tour," she was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.
