Dubai: Gregory Gaultier wants to end the season on a high note by defending his Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Series Finals title at Dubai Opera from June 6-10.

The 34-year-old Frenchman has won his last six world tour titles since finishing runner-up at January’s Tournament of Champions in New York.

This unbeaten run, which could stretch to over 30 matches in Dubai, saw him return to the top of the PSA world rankings in April, extending his record as the sport’s oldest World No.1.

He’s now slipped back down to second in the world behind Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, and has qualified to the World Series Finals by finishing second in the PSA Road to Dubai Standings, but wants to bounce back by replicating last year’s success in the emirate.

“I’ve had an amazing run since January and of course I want to finish the season on a high note as well in Dubai and hopefully perform the best I can,” he said.

“There’s no secret, it’s all about hard work. I’ve been training hard for 30 years. My motivation this year came from the frustration I had in 2016, missing so many events through injury.

“That really fired me up, but I’ve also been able to relax myself on court and that’s allowed me to play better squash and I feel better for it.”

Only the top eight ranked men’s and women’s players in the PSA Road to Dubai rankings qualify for the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals.

Two round robin groups of four will compete for the US$160,000 (Dh587,664) prize pool, with Gaultier in the toughest group against three former World No. 1’s in Ramy Ashour, Mohammad El Shorbagy and James Willstrop in a best of three format.

“It’s an intense sport and the key is the recovery I do between matches and between events with my team,” he added.

The 2015 world champion dropped only two games on his way to the Dubai title last year, performing brilliantly in front of his wife and son.

“Winning there last year — on my first time in Dubai — was amazing. I had a really unique moment with my kid coming on court to celebrate with me — that moment will live in my memory forever.

“They’re coming with me again this year so hopefully they will bring me that good luck again.”

Group matches take place at 3.00pm, 3.45pm, 4.45pm and 5.30pm in Group A and 9.30pm, 11.15pm and 12.00am between June 6-8 with the semis to take place at 9.30pm on June 9 with the finals at 9.30pm on June 10.

Tickets can be purchased at https://dubaiopera.etixdubai.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=PSAUMB