Squash is perhaps, an underrated sport, and doesn't get the due credit it truly deserves. It is one of the toughest disciplines, with the player pushed to the absolute limit, mentally as well as physically.  

Chances of a burn out are more likely in this most demanding of sport. And former world No.1 Egypt's Mohamed El Shorbagy, who almost went through it, has lived to tell the tale.

The 26-year-old was literally on top of the world, taking ownership of the World No.1 ranking for an astonishing 28 months until April this year. But that was when things started going south and matters took a downward spiral.

El Shorbagy's hectic schedule over the two years took its toll as he endured one of the toughest and most challenging season of his career.

El Shorbagy took time out to reflect and that break has clearly done him a world of good. He has returned stronger, hungrier and meaner, and probably back to his best.

That was evident as he played some good squash all week to win the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals at the Dubai Opera, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

El Shorbagy was lost for words and even shed a tear while giving his speech during the trophy ceremony.

 "It is emotional. It has been a tough season for me as it didn't go the way I really wanted it to. I lost motivation, lost a little bit of confidence during the season," said El Shorbagy.

"I took a break a month ago and in those 10 days, away from the game, it made me think straight, on what I wanted to do with my life. I reflected on what was happening. I then told myself I'm not born to lose in the quarters or semis, I'm born to win titles, I'm born not to give up. And I'm really glad that this week, I got it together. I was proud with the way I played, the way I was fighting. I probably played my best squash since I was world No.1," he added.

Elaborating further, he said: "I've been world No.1 for 28 months and I haven't been world No.1 just by ranking points. Last season, I won six out of seven World Series. I played too many matches, way more than everyone else. The season before, I won five out of seven and the two I lost, I lost in the finals. I was so exhausted, mentally and physically and I felt like I didn't want to train, I didn't want to play squash. I had no energy, no fuel in me to play anymore. At the start of the season, I felt drained physically and mentally. I started losing matches and it hit my confidence.

"But the most important thing is to turn a negative into a positive. I told myself that I want to turn this bad season into the best season of my life. To remember every loss, to remember everything I learnt this season and make sure it never happens again. All I can say now I really can't wait for next season. I took my break already and I'm ready to go straight on for training for next season.

"Source: Khaleej Times