Peter Marshall is England's highest ever world-ranked squash player - whose unique double-handed style took him to No.2 in the PSA world rankings in November 1994, a position he held for just under a year. 

Born in Nottingham in England's East Midlands - where he still lives - Marshall is the only player who has won British Junior titles at all age-groups - from Under-12, U-14, U-16, to U-19. He first became England's No.1 in November 1991, holding the position unchallenged for four years. 

His first full year of International competition was in 1991, but it was in the 94/95 season that Marshall's promise was most powerfully demonstrated. He was runner-up in five PSA Super Series events leading up to and including the 1995 British Open. 
World No.1 Jansher Khan said of the time: 
"Peter is very fit and never gives up - I know he is the biggest danger to me." 

It was shortly after reaching the final of the British Open in April 1995 that the Englishman, whose game was modelled on a demanding fitness regime, was laid low by a mystery debilitating illness. Ultimately diagnosed as 'chronic fatigue syndrome, the only known cure was complete rest - which resulted in Marshall's withdrawal from the PSA Tour for almost two years. 

His return to competitive action at the beginning of 1997 showed Marshall's enormous strength of character. Within two months of his international comeback at the British Open in April, he won the Rottal Open in Germany. He then had spectacular successes in a series of major international events - all of which he had to qualify for - including two victories in succession over Australia's world champion Rodney Eyles (in the Hong Kong and US Opens), and semi-final placings in the US Open, and later the World Open in Malaysia. 

By November, the revitalised Marshall - having leapt to No.2 in the English rankings - had re-claimed his place in the England squad which went on to retain the World Team Championships title in Malaysia. He finished the year triumphantly - at No.1 in the England rankings and No.12 in the world! Sadly, his illness struck back - and Marshall was forced again to retreat to a regime of complete rest to shake off his frustrating ailment. By the middle of 1999 rumours circulated that the squash star was again hitting top form - beating many of England 
and the world's top players who were prepared to submit themselves to his relentless play on his favourite courts in Nottingham. 

He was selected to represent England in the World Cup in Holland in August, where he calmly dismissed all opposition put his way - including straight game wins over Welshman David Evans, the world No.19, and Australian's former world champion Rodney Eyles, ranked 12 in the world. 

His PSA Tour comeback in the World Open in Egypt had a disappointing start - he survived the first round of the qualification, then suffered a back spasm against rising local star Karim Darwish which forced him to retire after having a 2-1 lead. This new injury also ruled him out of the England team for which he had been earlier selected. 

In November, Marshall qualified for the Motor City Open in Detroit, USA and swept through the main draw field, beating Australia's 3rd seed Paul Price, compatriot and 8th seed Lee Beachill, Canada's No. 1 seed Graham Ryding , then fourth-seeded Australian David Palmer in the final to win his first PSA Tour title for more than two years. 

On the eve of the British Open, he journeyed to Karachi to compete in the qualification for the Pakistan Open. Eight days later he became the first foreigner to win the country's prestigious squash title - dismissing Egyptians Omar Elborolossy, the 6th seed, and Amr Shabana, Australia's John Williams, and seventh-seeded Frenchman Thierry Lincou, before recovering from a game down to beat defending champion Amjad Khan 8/15 15/13 15/12 15/10 in the final. 

Given a wildcard into the British Open in Aberdeen, Marshall thrilled the home crowds by upsetting 8th Seed Alex Gough, the fellow Nottingham-based Welshman, 15-7 15-12 12-15 15-10. The Marshall magic, however, failed to extend into the second round, where he lost in five games to another Welshman David Evans, after leading 1-0 and 2-1. 

Marshall's double-handed style is his undoubted trade mark. "When I started playing at the age of seven, I was unable to control the racket without using two hands," says Marshall. "Several coaches have since suggested that I change to the more conventional style, but I have ignored them. If I did use one hand, I probably wouldn't be the player I am!" 

The more measured second comeback of one of the game's true stars is proving to be as successful as Marshall could have hoped. The February Dunlop PSA World Rankings saw him back in the top 20 at 19, a situation which should eliminate the need to qualify for PSA events in the future. He entered February's British National Championships for the first time since beating Peter Nicol 3-0 in the final in 1994. Seeded four, he was protecting a remarkable record, having been unbeaten in the event since December 1989. After removing the defending champion Paul Johnson in a tough five-game semi-final in 111 minutes. Marshall dismissed Welsh champion David Evans 15-9 15-6 15-11 in the final to claim his third British title and crown an heroic sporting comeback.