SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Frenchman Gregory Gaultier was on Wednesday confirmed as the new world number one squash player in the world rankings issued by the Professional Squash Association.

The 26-year-old from Aix-en-Provence becomes only the second Frenchman to top the global rankings following compatriot and current world number eight Thierry Lincou.

"I have been aiming at this for the past two or three years -- I feel really confident being number one," Gaultier said in a PSA statement.

"It's a relief that I have finally achieved this goal. Now I'm not running after it, I can now just enjoy my squash."

Squash world rankings:

1. Gregory Gaultier (France)

2. Amr Shabana (Egypt)

3. Karim Darwish (Egypt)

4. Nick Matthew (England)

5. Ramy Ashour (Egypt)

6. James Willstrop (England)

7. David Palmer (Australia)

8. Thierry Lincou (France)

9. Peter Barker (England)

10. Borja Golan (Spain)

(Editing by Ossian Shine. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)