FRANKFURT, July 12: World number ones Thierry Lincou and Rachael Grinham have been named as top seeds in squash events in this week”s World Games, the multi-sport event being staged in German city of Duisburg under patronage of IOC.

The squash action will be staged in Mlheim an der Ruhr, near Duisburg, from 16-19 July.

Lincou, most successful French squash player of all-time, first became world number one in January 2004 and has held the position for nine months.

The 29-year-old, who is also reigning world champion, faces Germany’s Stefan Leifels in first round — and is expected to meet Great Britain’s second seeded Peter Nicol, whom he succeeded as World No1, in the men’s final.

“World Games are a big step to get into Olympic Games,” said Lincou. “It has been a great season for me and I would like to finish it by winning in Duisburg.”

Australia’s double British Open champion Grinham has held women’s world number one ranking unopposed since August 2004.

The 28-year-old faces Italian Sonia Pasteris in opening round —before heading to her anticipated place in women’s final where she is expected to meet Malaysia’s World No3 Nicol David, No2 seed.—PPI