Top Seeds Survive In World Team Qualifiers

The top four seeds sailed through the final qualifying rounds of the PIA Men's World Junior Team Championship in Pakistan unbeaten - but fourth seeds Germany survived a marathon battle against Australia, the ninth seeds, before coming through 2/1 at the new Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.

With the tie poised at one-all, Australia's second string Ryan Cuskelly twice pulled level in the decider against his German oponent, but Jens Schoor ultimately triumphed 9-0 7-9 9-0 8-10 9-5 in 77 minutes to ensure that Germany topped Pool D.

Wales beat Switzerland 3-0 to finish second in Pool A behind firm favourites Pakistan, while second seeds Egypt defeated 11th seeds Netherlands 3-0 to ensure the No1 spot in Pool B. A 3-0 win over Iran made sure that third seeds England finished as leaders in Pool C.

India, the fifth seeds, clinched top place in Pool E after wins over New Zealand and Singapore - while the Pool F prize went to sixth seeds Kuwait, who wrapped up their action in the qualifying rounds with a 3-0 victory over seventh seeds Canada.

The event now moves in to the knockout stage, with the top 12 countries competing in the last sixteen on Wednesday, followed by quarter-finals on Thursday, semi-finals on Friday and the final on Saturday.

Last sixteen line-up:
[1] Pakistan bye
[7] Canada v [13/18] Mexico
[4] Germany bye
[6] Kuwait v [10] Malaysia
[5] India v [9] Australia
[3] England bye
[8] New Zealand v [12] Wales
[2] Egypt bye