Willstrop targets number one spot

Willstrop enjoyed a very successful 2008 (Getty)

Squash player James Willstrop has told BBC Radio Leeds he is determined to become world number one.

The Pontefract-born star is currently ranked fourth after winning both the British National and Davenport Professional Championships recently.

"I would never underestimate how hard it is to become number one. I won't put a time limit on it," said Willstrop.

"I'll just concentrate on winning events and hopefully the ranking will look after itself."

Interview: James Willstrop

Willstrop has been as high as world number two in his career, but as soon he has reached that status he slipped back down to eighth.

"I was in a great position to push for position one, but it never happened. It wasn't even a bad year for me," he said.

If I ever reach number one I'll be thrilled because it's a serious achievement to be the best in the world James Willstrop

"It was an average year, I didn't have any shocking results. But I learnt a lot. I learnt things don't always come that quickly and you have to work for it.

"So now I've had a good period I won't get carried away and that's why I won't put a timescale on when I want to be number one by."

The 24-year-old is currently rated as Britain's number one, and will be looking to build on a highly successful 2007 in the coming year.

"If I ever reach number one I'll be thrilled because it's a serious achievement to be the best in the world," Willstrop added.

"Not many people can ever do that, so if I can get there one day it will be great."