Great Britain ended a 26-year wait for Fed Cup promotion when Katie Boulter fought back to seal their 3-1 win over Kazakhstan and spark jubilant scenes.

The team raced on to the court and hugged Boulter after she beat Zarina Diyas 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-1.

The British number two trailed by a set and a break - and needed a hot water bottle on her back during changeovers - but refused to give up.

Johanna Konta had earlier put Britain one win away from World Group II.

Konta's own stunning comeback from 4-1 down in the final set to beat Yulia Putintseva 4-6 6-2 7-5 had given the home crowd in London belief that Britain would finally earn promotion in what was their fifth play-off in eight years.

For a while, it seemed the wait would continue as Boulter lost her grip on the match, having won the opening two games, but when she completed her comeback with an emphatic ace on match point, the celebrations began.

"Ah, finally! I'm ecstatic for the team," said Britain captain Anne Keothavong, whose team paraded around the Copper Box Arena, firing tennis balls into the crowd.

"It was such an incredible effort. We kept putting ourselves in this position. But I really feel that having the home advantage this time around made a big difference."

Celebratory scenes as Boulter finishes the job

After watching Konta come from 4-1 down in the deciding set to beat Kazakh number one Putintseva, Boulter knew victory in her match would seal the tie for Britain.

Boulter admitted she was "struggling physically" during her defeat by Putintseva on Saturday and although she swiftly took a 2-0 lead in the opening set, she repeatedly sat with a hot water bottle on her back during changeovers.

Diyas - who Konta needed two hours and 38 minutes to beat on Saturday - started to find her groove and responded to take the set to a tie-break.

Boulter said Saturday's dramatic defeat - which came despite her holding three match points - would stay in her mind "for a long time" and she seemed nervous - only picking up one point as Diyas comfortably won the tie-break 7-1.

The Kazakh gained the advantage in the second set too but was seemingly distracted by a car alarm seconds before double-faulting and allowing Boulter to break back at 2-2.

The addition of a few drums in the British crowd - to compete with the noisy Kazakh band that had been providing a soundtrack to the action - built a more intimidating atmosphere and Boulter thrived off their support, breaking again late to win the set.

Diyas and Boulter had already suffered three-set defeats this weekend but the Briton was determined not to lose another.

The 22-year-old British number two was quickly 2-0 up before she held off a break point in the third game of the third set - prompting a standing ovation from the home fans.

A lucky net cord helped bring up break point for Boulter at 3-0 up but Diyas saved it with a thumping serve.

That only delayed Boulter's move to increase her advantage as she turned up the gears to make it 5-1.

Konta, fresh from her victory, joined Heather Watson, Katie Swan and Harriet Dart on court ready to celebrate.

And Boulter, on her third match point, threw her arms up in celebration as the crowd erupted in joy.

"I was so nervous watching Katie on the side of the court," said Konta. "I'm sweating so much. We have been in this position for the last three years in a row.

"I am almost speechless which is not normal. I'm still sweating!"

Konta battles back again

Konta has not done things the easy way in the Fed Cup of late - her past five matches in the women's team tennis competition have gone to three sets.

And so she was always going to be in for a battle against Kazakh number one Putintseva, who fought back from 5-2 down in the third set to win the tie-break against Boulter on Saturday.

World number 38 Putintseva - ranked eight places above Konta - showed no signs of tiredness against the Briton, holding off three break points in her first service game before needing just one to take a 2-1 lead.

Konta, who had started with intensity and good variation, broke back immediately and seemed to feed off a much more vocal home crowd.

When Putintseva broke again to move 5-4 up before serving for the first set, Konta responded by silencing the noisy Kazakh band's drums and trumpet for most of the second set - breaking twice and winning 68% of the total points in a dominant display.

Momentum was with the Briton but the crowd were still wary - they had seen Putintseva come from behind the previous day.

The Kazakh was given a taste of her own medicine, though, as it was Konta who completed a resilient fightback.

Putintseva had shown signs of weakness. She had her blood pressure taken during a medical time-out, while ice was applied to her neck and head while she trailed 3-0 in the second set.

Konta went on to take that set in style but then went 4-1 down in the third - two quick breaks followed a time violation and the Briton showed her frustrations by arguing with the umpire.

She did not give up, though, finally breaking back at the third time of asking at 4-2 and went on to win 16 of the last 19 points to seal her 11th successive Fed Cup singles victory.

Britain's Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong is "in awe" of her players after they won promotion to World Group II for the first time in 26 years.

Every match in their 3-1 play-off win over Kazakhstan in London was a nerve-shredding three-setter.

Katie Boulter was a set and break down before the decisive win over Zarina Diyas, and Johanna Konta trailed 4-1 in the third set against Yulia Putintseva.

"It was such an incredible effort," Keothavong said.

"I am just totally in awe of these women."

Boulter's 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-1 triggered wild celebrations after Great Britain finally got themselves out of the third tier of women's team tennis after four failures at the same stage in the previous seven years.

Keothavong, who played in two of those play-offs and captained the others, said the victory at the Copper Box Arena was "right up there" as one of her best achievements in tennis.

"I couldn't get there as a player but to be able to captain this achievement and to finally achieve it together after so long is definitely a highlight for me," she said.

"Watching the players develop and grow; watching Jo lead this team as the number one; playing a small part in something much bigger is a very proud moment for me."

Konta, whose stunning 4-6 6-2 7-5 victory over Putintseva on Sunday had put Britain one win away from promotion, said she was "speechless" following the team's triumph.

"I have dreamed of being a part of the team that was able to achieve this," the world number 46 added.

'Springboard for bigger things'

Keothavong hopes Fed Cup success will provide a "springboard for bigger and better things" for 22-year-old Boulter.

The British number two was impressive on her debut at February's Europe/Africa Zone round-robin event in Bath, winning all of her singles rubbers.

She held three match points against Kazakh number one Putintseva on Saturday although she eventually lost, but she picked herself up - despite a back problem - to win the tie with the comeback win over Diyas.

She has shot up the world rankings in the past year and is now ranked 86th after breaking into the top 100 in November.

And in January Boulter, alongside British team-mate Cameron Norrie, beat 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the mixed doubles at the Hopman Cup.

"For Katie, this can be used as a springboard for bigger and better things. The players need to use it in a positive way," Keothavong said.

Boulter said she will learn from the experience, especially the defeat by Putintseva that she said at the time would stay in her mind "for a long time".

"We all have good days and bad days but I will fight and get up for the next match no matter what the circumstances are," Boulter said.

'Utterly brilliant', 'inspired', 'an amazing achievement' - reaction to the GB's success

Former British number one Annabel Croft, now a television commentator and analyst: "Absolutely amazing weekend of tennis. Congrats to Johanna Konta, Katie Boulter, Anne Keothavong and the rest of the Fed Cup team. Inspired performances with home fans cheering at the Copper Box.

British doubles player Jamie Murray, who helped the nation win the Davis Cup in 2015: "What a weekend for the GB Fed Cup team! Amazing achievement girls!"

Leon Smith, Britain's Davis Cup captain: "That was utterly brilliant from our GB Fed Cup Team. This team deserves so much praise. Well done all. Bring on the World Group! Come on!!"

Anne Keothavong was a playing member of Great Britain's Fed Cup team when they made the trip to Sweden for the 2012 World Group play-off.

Seven years, and three further play-off disappointments later, she is now the captain of a side which finally has the chance to discover whether it can be competitive against the world's elite.

GB's 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan at London's Copper Box Arena ensures a return to World Group level of the Fed Cup for the first time since 1993.

The format for next year's competition is far from signed off. But, for the first time in a generation, Britain will at least start the year with a theoretical chance of lifting the trophy.

The International Tennis Federation hopes to introduce a week-long Finals featuring 12 teams from next April.

The plan is for this year's semi-finalists to be joined by the winners of eight play-off ties to be staged in February.

Interest from host nations was sought in March. Budapest is said to be among the cities to have put its name forward, but financing the event is another matter.

The ITF is understood to have pledged prize money in excess of $10m (£7.7m), and that money is supposed to be generated by the host city.

There is also a fair amount of opposition to the concept. WTA tournaments staged in the weeks either side of the proposed Finals will expect to see traditionally strong fields depleted.

And there are players - and many fans - who resent the potential reduction in the number of home ties which generate the special atmosphere evident this weekend.

Keothavong, who says she has not yet been asked her views by the ITF, admits to being in two minds about whether the reforms are in the best interests of the sport.

"I'm not sure," Britain's captain says. "We've waited so long for a home tie and now we've got it.

"The support we had was something we might not experience again, so it's hard to know. I don't know what the right format is for this competition."

If the planned reform flounders, the ITF is likely to create one 16-team World Group for 2020, played on a knockout basis with the final four competing for the title in November.

Either way, Britain will have its work cut out to make progress.

Potential opponents include Japan (featuring world number one Naomi Osaka); Romania (featuring world number two Simona Halep); the Czech Republic (with two top five players in their ranks); and the United States (who have three top 20 players to choose from).

Britain does not currently have any singles' players in the world's top 40, and yet in Johanna Konta and Katie Boulter do have two players you underestimate at your peril.

Konta appears, at times, to be overwhelmed by nerves. Her game goes off the boil, and yet she invariably recovers, and should be mightily proud to have won 11 singles matches in a row.

At 3-5 down in the deciding set against Yulia Putintseva on Sunday, she won 16 of the last 18 points of the match. She was simply brilliant, and is developing a steely Fed Cup persona.

Boulter is much earlier in her Fed Cup career, but four singles wins in four days in February's qualifying round in Bath were followed here by a very near miss against Putintseva (a match she should have won), and then a courageous comeback against Zarina Diyas.

With a hot water bottle tucked down the back of her skirt to soothe a bad back at change of ends, she clinched the tie by running away with the final set. Some shrink, where Boulter seems to thrive.

The pair will undoubtedly need the support of others if Britain are to become a force at World Group level.

Heather Watson has had a shocking time in singles of late, but is a Grand Slam doubles champion. If she can forge a potent partnership with Harriet Dart, a natural doubles player with singles aspirations of her own, Britain will add another line of defence.

Katie Swan only turned 20 last month and is now a top 200 player with four Fed Cup wins to her name.

And looking a little further ahead, there is 16-year-old Emma Raducanu, who Keothavong hopes "will be knocking on the door soon".

The team spirit seems genuine, and so optimism should not be frowned upon - especially as, for the first time for more than a quarter of the century, the team will not have to endure the annual tribulations of Europe-Africa zone qualifying.

It will be a shame if Britain is not able to host home ties on a regular basis - the LTA proved again at the Copper Box that they know how to put on a really good show - but at least the stakes will be higher in future.

That, in turn, means the profile will be higher. And that is outstanding news for women's tennis in the UK.

‘I have spent a lot of time with Nicol, and that has been special’
By MATT COLES

Egyptian World No.1s Raneem El Welily and Ali Farag have both made it through to the third round of the El Gouna International Squash Open after winning on the spectacular glass court at Abu Tig Marina last night at the PSA World Tour Platinum tournament.

El Welily got the better of eight-time World Champion Nicol David in the first match on the glass court, winning in straight games, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8.

The World No.1 had met the former World No.1 27 times on the PSA World Tour, with their first meeting all the way back in 2001. David had won two-thirds of the previous clashes – including a stunning comeback from four championship balls down in the 2014 World Championship final in Cairo – but Welily had prevailed in the last six. She did so again in this one to advance to the last 16 of the tournament.

“I am really happy to have been on court with Nicol again. I was looking at the head-to-head right before the match and we have played so many times,” Welily said after the match.

“To play with her one last time, especially in Egypt, is an absolutely fantastic feeling for me. This past month, I have been spending a lot of time with her. We had an exhibition tournament in Birmingham and that was a special week for me.

“I spent so much time with her off court, for the first time ever so this past month has been really special for me, getting to know her a bit better. It has been a long journey, and I am proud to have shared some of it with her, at least.”

Also on the glass court yesterday, World No.3 Nour El Tayeb got the better of 42-year-old Rachael Grinham in straight games. The Egyptian only needed 18 minutes to seal victory, securing her passage through to the third round.

At the side courts – staged at the El Gouna Squash Complex – the big shock came through Belgium’s Tinne Gilis’ victory over India’s World No.16 Joshna Chinappa.

The 21-year-old Gilis will now appear in the third round of a PSA Platinum tournament for the first time after she held off a comeback from the Indian player to prevail 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 10-12, 11-4.

Their only previous meeting came in January’s J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – with Chinappa winning in straight games – but it was all Gilis in the opening stages as she hit her marks early on to take a two-game advantage.

The third game went the way of Chinappa as the 32-year-old controlled proceedings, while she narrowly took the fourth on a tie-break to restore parity. Gilis regrouped impressively though and a composed performance from the Belgian saw her keep Chinappa at bay to cruise home in the decider, earning her a spot on the glass court, where she will play El Welily.

“This is the first time ever I beat a top 20 player, and it’s probably the best I’ve ever played too,” said Gilis.

“It was the same game plan as my previous match, slowing the pace down as she is a hard hitter, and then attacking only when the opportunity arose.

“I kind of knew what to expect as I played her in the second round of the ToC and lost in three. I’m lucky I had my friends and family to support me today, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Mariam Metwally came through a feisty encounter with England’s Victoria Lust in the only other surprise victory, while former World No.1 Laura Massaro required five games to see off Gilis’ older sister, Nele.

New Zealand’s Joelle King, United States’ Amanda Sobhy and Egypt’s Salma Hany were the other women to win on day three

World No.1 Ali Farag is through to the third round of the El Gouna International after he overcame a stern test from Cameron Pilley.

The Egyptian, who is the reigning World Champion, got off to a good start in the first, but the Yamba-native bounced back and had game balls to win the opener.

However, Farag was able to save both, and turned the game on its head to win it 14-12. He then took the second 11-7 to take a commanding lead.

The Australian continued to play well, though, and eventually got a game on the board, his first in four matches against the world champion. Farag would win the fourth game to take the match, though, and move through to the third round of the tournament.

“I actually think I started off well, and then the conditions were really tough, so I think the experience played a role here and he knew how to play them better,” Farag said of Pilley.

“I think I was slightly off the mark because the turnaround between here and Holland was really short. The last person you want to play against when you are slightly flat is Cameron because he can cut you off in the middle of the court, and he did that really well in the first three [games].

“Thankfully, I think, at the end of the fourth he got a little tired and I think I took advantage of that. At all points [of the match] I was on my toes because I know he is a tough competitor. He understands the game really well. He is renowned for his hard hitting but what people don’t really appreciate is how clean he hits the ball. It is very clean and he hits his targets every shot. It is not easy to play against him, but I am glad I could pull through.”

The other men’s second round match on the glass court saw Tarek Momen beat compatriot Zahed Salem in four games. The World Championship finalist beat Salem in three quarters of an hour to move into the last 16.

The big shock of the day in the men’s draw came at the Squash Complex as England’s Adrian Waller overcame World No.18 Gregoire Marche.

The pair were meeting for the first time since 2016 – with Marche winning on that occasion – but the Frenchman was unable to really get into the Englishman this time round as Waller won 13-11, 11-6, 11-3 to advance to the next round.

Waller will now appear in the last 16 of this tournament for the first time and will play Germany’s Simon Rösner who overcame England’s Tom Richards in three at the side courts.

“Me and Gregoire have played ever since we were young. We’re similar ages, and I think it does help that I’m so familiar with his game throughout the years,” Waller said.

“Even though we haven’t played a in a long time, I still watch him. I stuck to my old tactics today, was nice and steady, and frustrated him as much as I could.

“I had to take the opportunities when they came, but the first game was the biggest hurdle. I was up, he came back, then I came back again to take it. That gave me the confidence to stick with my game plan to see if he could come back and take it away from me. Luckily he didn’t manage to get me out of it.”

The rest of the men’s action saw No.7 seed Paul Coll win his match against an injured Borja Golan in three, with Joel Makin, Diego Elias and Saurav Ghosal also moving into the last 16.

Second round action continues today, with the bottom half of the draw in action. Play begins at El Gouna Squash Complex at 12:00 local (GMT+2), with glass court action getting underway at 18:30 local, as Marwan ElShorbagy begins his defence of the title he won last year.

Matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour. 

El Gouna International (men’s and women’s PSA $176k events), Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna, Egypt.

Men’s Second Round (Top Half):
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 3-1: 14-12, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 (54m)
Diego Elias (PER) bt Mazen Hesham (EGY) 3-1: 11-6, 11-4 6-11, 11-6 (39m)
Joel Makin (WAL) bt Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-1: 11-3, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4 (52m)
[7] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Borja Golan (ESP) 3-0: 11-3, 11-2, 11-5 (23m)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) bt Tom Richards (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-5 (35m)
Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-0: 13-11, 11-6, 11-3 (41m)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Edmon Lopez (ESP) 3-2: 11-9, 11-1, 3-11, 9-11, 11-6 (70m)
[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Zahed Salem (EGY) 3-1: 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6 (44m)

Women’s Second Round (Top Half): 
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt Nicol David (MAS) 3-0: 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 (26m)
Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [16] Joshna Chinappa (IND) 3-2: 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 10-12, 11-4 (59m)
Mariam Metwally (EGY) bt [14] Victoria Lust (ENG) 3-2: 11-13, 11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9 (53m)
[5] Joelle King (NZL) bt Coline Aumard (FRA) 3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 11-5 (30m)
[7] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt Nele Gilis (BEL) 3-2: 11-8, 1-11, 11-3, 4-11, 11-8 (60m)
[13] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt Emily Whitlock (ENG) 3-1: 9-11, 11-3, 11-5, 13-11 (37m)
[12] Salma Hany (EGY) bt Danielle Letourneau (CAN) 3-1: 11-9, 11-2, 8-11, 11-8 (35m)
[3] Nour el Tayeb (EGY) bt Rachael Grinham (AUS) 3-0: 11-2, 11-4, 11-7 (18m)

Men’s Second Round (Bottom Half): 
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Greg Lobban (SCO)
Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v Alan Clyne (SCO)
Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v [8] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)
[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) v Raphael Kandra (GER)
Youssef Soliman (EGY) v [WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY)
Nafizzwan Adnan (MAS) v Cesar Salazar (MEX)
Max Lee v [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)

Women’s Second Round (Bottom Half): 
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v Olivia Blatchford Clyne (USA)
Hollie Naughton (CAN) v [10] Tesni Evans (WAL)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) v Julianne Courtice (ENG)
Rowan Elaraby v [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
Zeina Mickawy (EGY) v [15] Hania El Hammamy (EGY)
[9] Alison Waters (ENG) v Nadine Shahin (EGY)
Yathreb Adel (EGY) v [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)

Men’s Third Round (Top Half), Sunday April 21:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v Diego Elias (PER)
Joel Makin (WAL) v [7] Paul Coll (NZL)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) v Adrian Waller (ENG)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [3] Tarek Momen (EGY)

Women’s Third Round (Top Half), Sunday April 21:
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Tinne Gilis (BEL)
Mariam Metwally (EGY) v [5] Joelle King (NZL)
[7] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [13] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[12] Salma Hany (EGY) v [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
 

Pictures courtesy of PSA 

‘He is on the way up and is one of the most talented players’
By MATT COLES 

Reigning champion Marwan ElShorbagy survived a huge scare from Mohamed Abouelghar on day four of the El Gouna International Squash Open as he got his title defence under way on the spectacular glass court at Abu Tig Marina, which hosts the PSA World Tour Platinum tournament.

The Egyptian won this title last year, beating current World No.1 Ali Farag in the final, but it looked like he was on his way out after just a single match this time around. Abouelghar had never beaten his compatriot on the PSA World Tour before in three previous attempts, but he started the stronger of the two, and took the first game.

ElShorbagy came back to win the second and third with ease, but World No.8 Abouelghar fought back. He eventually had two match balls in the fifth game, but Bristol-based ElShorbagy saved both of them before winning the match thanks to some fine attacking shots at the very end.

The win sends the defending champion through to the third round of the tournament, where he will face Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller on Monday April 22.

“It was tough. It is always tough with Abouelghar. We have played so many times,” ElShorbagy said.

“I haven’t beaten a top 10 player in a long time and Abouelghar has been playing some amazing squash. I did not know what to expect because this is the best he has ever played. He is on the way up and he now is in the top eight. He is one of the most talented squash players.

“I think we both settled from the third game, I would say. It was a tough match and I expected no less. To be able to win today, I am quite happy with the result. There are a few things I need to improve for my next match, but it is just good to get into the tournament with a win like this.”

Also on the glass court, Marwan’s older brother, World No.2 Mohamed, overcame a tough challenge from Hong Kong’s Max Lee, but the former World Champion advanced after a four-game victory to get his attempts to win a second El Gouna International title under way.

Elsewhere in today’s action, Colombia’s Miguel Rodriguez had to come from two games down to overhaul Germany’s Raphael Kandra at the El Gouna Squash Complex.

Rodriguez had beaten Kandra in two of their three previous meetings – including in the semi-finals of last year’s Allam British Open – but Kandra got the win the last time they played in September’s China Open.

The German played some high-calibre squash to go two games up at the Squash Complex, saving a game ball in the second. World No.7 Rodriguez was able to impose himself more on the match though after that point as he ramped up the pace and picked up all of Kandra’s shots at the front of the court as the German lost his basic length hitting.

After levelling, the ‘Colombian Cannonball’ made the most of a great start in the fifth to go two match balls up. Kandra fought back to level but, to the disappointment of the German contingent in the crowd, Rodriguez found his winning shots to complete an 8-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 victory.

“I didn’t start very well, he did though. He really played his best squash there, so from that point on, I changed my strategy,” Rodriguez said after the match.

“Instead of going with a slow pace, I increased it and made the rallies longer. He seemed to give up mid-game. I realised he was probably going to be back fighting in the fifth, which he was, and I was ready for it.

“I had lost to Raphael in Shanghai, so I’m happy with the win. Today was not physical as much as it was mental and tactical, the ball was very bouncy, and you had to find the right pace to get the ball in the back corners.”

Mueller also survived a five-game battle on day four, as he overcame Scotland’s Alan Clyne in a match that lasted over an hour. Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, Fares Dessouky and Omar Mosaad are also through to the last 16, along with Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.

In the women’s draw, Egypt’s World No.2 Nour el Sherbini is into the third round after beating compatriot Yathreb Adel in straight games on the glass court.

The pair had only met twice before on the PSA World Tour, despite having both turned professional in the early part of 2009. The first game was a scrappy one, with neither player able to find any momentum, but El Sherbini was able to pull through in the end to take an early lead.

But El Sherbini, who won her second World Championship title back in 2017 on this very court, followed that up with a win in the second game, but that came much tougher, as Adel held a lead for much of the game. However, El Sherbini was too strong for her compatriot and will now take on Egypt’s Nadine Shahin in the next round.

“Playing Yathreb in the second round is a very tricky match. We have been playing for a long, long time. I can’t describe how long we have been playing against each other,” Sherbini said after her win.

“It was a tough first round, but I am happy with the way I played and I am happy with my performance. I am trying to get back in the mood after the DPD Open. It was a very short couple of days between them but it was a good start and hopefully it will keep going for the rest of the week.

“Gouna is always special and unique and I love being here. I love the vibe and the people. Your family and friends come and watch you. It is great being here and apart from the wind, the venue here is really amazing. Everything is perfect for me and hopefully this year is going to be another good memory for me as well.”

France’s Camille Serme won the first match of the evening on the glass court, as she defeated United States No.2 Olivia Blatchford Clyne in straight games.

At the Squash Complex, World No.30 Nadine Shahin shocked World No.10 Alison Waters to earn her place against El Sherbini on the glass court.

It was a momentous day for the Egyptian, as she claimed her first victory over top 10 opposition, and her first berth in the third round of a PSA World Tour Platinum event.

“It’s one of my biggest wins so far, I’ve never beaten a top 10 player. I was feeling really excited, and I played her once in Chicago two months ago,” Shahin said.

“I lost 3-0 really quickly, so I was determined to do better in this one. I had to not lose focus, not even for a second. To beat someone like Alison, you have to be determined, and you have to be 100 per cent focused.

“I switched coaches, so for the last couple of months I’ve been working really hard with my new coach, Omar Abdel Meguid, and I think mentally I’m tougher and stronger. Even two months ago, I was not like this.”

Two other Egyptians are into the last 16 of the women’s draw, as Zeina Mickawy and Nouran Gohar defeated Hania El Hammamy and England’s Millie Tomlinson.

England’s Sarah-Jane Perry, Wales’ Tesni Evans and Hong Kong’s Annie Au are also through to the third round after claiming wins over Egypt’s Rowan Elaraby, Canada’s Hollie Naughton and England’s Julianne Courtice.

The action continues tomorrow as the top half of the draw play their third round matches across the two venues. Action begins at the El Gouna Squash Complex at 12:00 local time (GMT+2), with glass court action beginning at 18:30 local (GMT+2).

Matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour (excluding Europe and Japan).

El Gouna International, Abu Tig Marina, Egypt.

Men’s Second Round (Bottom Half): 

[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 4-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9 (33m)
Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 3-2: 3-11, 12-10, 11-6, 4-11, 11-2 (73m)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt Alan Clyne (SCO) 3-2: 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6 (69m)
Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt [8] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-2: 5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 13-11 (62m)
[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-2: 8-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 (75m)
[WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0: 7-4 retired (8m)
Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 3-1: 13-11, 3-11, 11-9, 11-4 (56m)
[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Max Lee (HKG) 3-1: 13-11, 3-11, 11-4, 11-6 (41m)

Women’s Second Round (Bottom Half): 
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Olivia Blatchford Clyne (USA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 12-10 (31m)
[10] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt Hollie Naughton (CAN) 3-2: 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-2 (54m)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) bt Julianne Courtice (ENG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-8, 11-7 (27m)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-1: 8-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8 (59m)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 13-11 (30m)
Zeina Mickawy (EGY) bt [15] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7 (57m)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt [9] Alison Waters (ENG) 3-1: 12-10, 4-11, 12-10, 11-3 (37m)
[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Yathreb Adel (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (28m)

Men’s Third Round (Top Half): To Be Played Sunday 21st April
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v Diego Elias (PER)
Joel Makin (WAL) v [7] Paul Coll (NZL)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER) v Adrian Waller (ENG)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [3] Tarek Momen (EGY)

Women’s Third Round (Top Half): To Be Played Sunday 21st April
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Tinne Gilis (BEL)
Mariam Metwally (EGY) v [5] Joelle King (NZL)
[7] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [13] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[12] Salma Hany (EGY) v [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)

Men’s Third Round (Bottom Half): To Be Played Monday 22nd April
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) v Fares Dessouky (EGY)
Cesar Salazar (MEX) v [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)

Women’s Third Round (Bottom Half): To Be Played Monday 22nd April
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v [10] Tesni Evans (WAL)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) v [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) v [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)  

Pictures courtesy ofPSA