Shabana Eyes Further World Title In India

Just days after claiming his third World Open title in Bermuda, world number one Amr Shabana will be setting his sights on a fifth international crown in six weeks when he leads favourites Egypt in the 21st ICL Men's World Team Championship in India.

The biennial event, which has attracted a near record 29 nations, gets underway tomorrow at the ICL Squash Academy in Chennai, and reaches its final on Wednesday (12 December).

Despite the last-minute withdrawal of world No2 Ramy Ashour, Egypt - the only country to boast four players in the world top ten - are seeded to win the title for the second time. The favourites head Pool A and face Finland, seeded in the 17/24 group, on the opening day.

Defending champions England, the second seeds led by US Open champion Nick Matthew and bidding to win the crown for a fourth time, have a rest day tomorrow - and begin their title defence on Friday against 17/24 seeds Spain.

Australia, eight times winners of the title since the event's inaugural year in 1967, also wait until Friday before beginning their 21st World Teams campaign. The fourth seeds will face Scotland in Pool D.

Third seeds France, led by World Open runner-up Gregory Gaultier, first take take on outsiders Japan.

Three countries are making their debut in the 2007 ICL World Team Championship - Chinese Taipei, Venezuela and Sri Lanka.