Top Seeds Soar Into British Open Semis

All top four seeds moved into the men's semi-finals of the 2015 Allam British Open at the Airco Arena in Hull following a thrilling evening of action in what is the oldest and most historic tournament in the world of squash.

France's defending champion Gregory Gaultier stormed past giant-killing Egyptian Mazen Hesham to keep alive his hopes of claiming back-to-back titles - joining world No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy, world No.2 Nick Matthew and world No.5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the last four.

Gaultier, ranked three in the world, looked in imperious form as he despatched his 21-year-old challenger 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 in 45-minutes - and says he feels confident ahead of a showdown with Colombian live wire Rodriguez in Saturday's semi-finals.

"Mazen is only 21 and he's very skilful so you don't expect what's coming and that means you have to really focus and play tight against him," said Gaultier.

"I really enjoyed playing him and that kind of match really activates me ahead of tomorrow. I beat Miguel two weeks ago but he played unbelievably tonight so I will try to use my experience and do my best and see what happens and hopefully it will be a great match in front of a full crowd.

"I'm feeling really relaxed at the minute. I enjoy coming here and for me it's the last push of the season. I've been struggling this year with my Achilles but I'm really enjoying being back on court at the moment so I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Matthew, the 34-year-old Englishman Gaultier beat in the finale 12 months ago, ensured he remains on course for a fourth British Open triumph with a dominant 3/0 win over French number two Mathieu Castagnet to show that his recovery from a recent ankle injury continues unimpeded.

"The competitive animal that I am, I wouldn't have played just to make up the numbers," said Matthew.

"I guess if you'd offered me a place in the semi-finals before the tournament I'm sure I would have taken it because it means I would have been feeling healthy but once you get to a semi-final anything can happen - the four guys who get to that stage are all capable of winning it."

Matthew will now face Mohamed Elshorbagy in the semi-finals where he will hope to pick up where he left off against the top-seeded Egyptian before injury brought their semi-final encounter in El Gouna to a premature end.