Former World No.5 Peter Barker is to retire from squash after next week’s Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open.



The 32-year-old, who turned pro in 2002, is quitting due to a persistent knee injury and will now become a performance consultant for England Squash.



After revealing his decision, Barker said: “I think it's been apparent for a few months now that my announcement to retire has been coming.



“I’ve been struggling with a knee injury for some time that's just become more and more problematic. I'm obviously disappointed to make this decision a year or two earlier than I’d wanted but in the same vein it feels the right time.





“I'm very positive and excited about the next chapter of my life and delighted that I’ll have the opportunity to continue to work with England Squash. It means a great deal to me to stay involved with the game at a professional level and to hopefully give something back to the programme that’s supported me so well over the course of my career.”