England edge ahead on Day Three

You'd expect six Egyptians in the last 16, but how about five Englishmen being there too ? In fact, it's not until you get to the last match of the day that you find a match featuring neither of them ...

First winner today was2004 Champion Thierry Lincou, seeing off Alister Walker in four games, 11/2, 11/8, 4/11, 11/6.

"I had a bit of a loss of concentration, especially in the third - I didn't push mentally to keep the pace up," explained the former world number one from Marseille. "And when you let the pace go, he's dangerous player.

"I've heard him referred to as the English Egyptian - and it's true, he plays like an Egyptian. Ali beat Shabana a few weeks ago - he's capable of beating anyone."

Peter Barker became the first Englishman through, avenging yesterday's defeat of Adrian Grant by Hisham Ashour. Barker won 11/6, 11/5, 8/11, 11/9 to mark claim his first World Open quarter-final appearance.

"I feel relieved most of all - happy, yes, but more relieved," explained the left-hander afterwards. "Somehow, I just couldn't relax - I played well in the first two games but then let him get back in the third.

"But it's great to be in the quarter-finals of the worlds for the first time - after all, that's where it all happens.
There are eight players remaining so one of us has got to win it - so let's hope it's me! The pressure's off, but I'm not going to relax. I played my best squash in the first two games so I hope I can replicate that tomorrow."


Nick Matthew joined Barker in the quarters with a quickfire 11/6, 11/3, 11/2 win over Cameron Pilley to end Australian interest.

The first Egyptian went through to the quarters when Wael El Hindi took on yesterday's biggest giant-killer Tarek Momen. The youngster took the first, but El Hindi was in no mood to allow another upset, winning 10/12, 11/6, 11/7, 11/6 in one minute over the hour.

Now it's off to Green Island for the second session. Stay tuned ...