Gaultier & Elshorbagy Set Up Semi Showdown

The world's top two squash players Gregory Gaultier and Mohamed Elshorbagy will go head-to-head in the semi-finals of the 2014 Delaware Investments US Open in a mouth-watering encounter that could have significant ramifications at the top of next month's PSA World Rankings.

The duo last met in the final of the Hong Kong Open, the first PSA World Series event of the season, when Elshorbagy won 3/2 to claim just his second ever World Series title. Victory in Friday's US Open encounter at Drexel University in Philadelphia could see Egyptian Elshorbagy topple the Frenchman at the top of the rankings to become world number one for the first time in his career.

The pair are in the midst of a three-way battle with current world champion Nick Matthew, the Englishman who takes on Egyptian Fares Dessouki in his quarter-final encounter on Thursday, to occupy the No1 ranking slot in November.

But after beating German Simon Rösner 3/1 to move into the semis, Gaultier says his focus is not on the rankings.

"That was a very tough four games against Simon," said Gaultier after his 11-8, 13-11, 11-13, 11-3 win in 82 minutes. "He was playing very well, being very aggressive and playing some lovely winners which made it tough.

"He played with no pressure and he was very fluid but I'm happy with my performance to get the win in four and I'm delighted now to be in the semi-finals and I'm looking forward to playing against Elshorbagy.

"Last time we played he won 3/2 and I'm ready to play him again. I've had a good three weeks of training and he's confident so I'm looking forward to a good battle.

"I've been number one this year and I'm not looking at the rankings. I'm not here with my calculator and checking every day to see if I'm going to be number one or number two, I'm here to play and my focus is on playing well and trying to win the tournament."

Elshorbagy booked his place in the semi-finals following a well-earned 3/0 victory over England's Adrian Waller. The UK-based 23-year-old has made it to the last four without dropping a game in the competition.

"When the top four players get to the semi-finals we all raise our game and I think that's what's going to happen against Greg," said Alexandria-born Elshorbagy.

"I know I've beaten him the last two times, but he's beaten me nine times before that. He's the world number one and such a strong player and if I play my best there's still a chance I can lose so I have to hope I get it right on the day.

"Every player wants to be number one and I think the pressure is on Greg to defend his ranking. Players say they just come to play and enjoy themselves but I'm sure they'd enjoy it a lot more if they are the No1 at the end of the tournament.

"I'm No2 now and people say that's great but No2 has always been my worst enemy. You feel you are so close I think you'd rather be 100 than number two so I'm going to do everything I can this week to get that top ranking."