Home 'Gladiator' Perry Battles On To Make British Open L16

On a thrilling conclusion to the second round of the GillenMarkets British Open, Egypt's Hana Moataz and Colombia's Miguel Rodriguez saved six and four match balls in rousing comebacks, "lucky loser" Kareem El Torkey capitalised on his opportunity with a five-game victory over England's Sam Todd, and local hero Sarah-Jane Perry earned a shot at the World Champion in her last event as a professional.

In a spectacular performance in front of the home fans at 'The Rep' Theatre in Birmingham, Kenilworth-born world No.25 Perry earned rapturous applause during her 13th and final British Open, with the 35-year-old set to retire after the event.

Known as 'the Gladiator' for her never-say-die attitude, Perry was at her combative best in a five-game victory over Egyptian world No.14 Salma Hany to earn a last 16 round match against Egyptian world No.2 Nour El Sherbini, who won her eighth PSA World Championship title last month.

"A roller coaster is, I think, the only word to describe that one, physically, mentally, emotionally!" Perry admitted afterwards.

"Getting to the British Open final was one of the highlights of my career, and we've been from London to Hull to Birmingham, which is really special as my home city."

On the traditional courts at Solihull Arden Club, women's world No.31 Moataz and men's world No.21 Rodriguez both launched spectacular comebacks, with Moataz clawing her way back from 10-4 down in game five against world No.22 Tesni Murphy and 39-year-old 2018 British Open champion Rodriguez came storming back from 10-6 down in game five against England's Patrick Rooney.

Elsewhere, Egyptian "Lucky Loser" El Torkey will be a surprise entry in round three after the world No.52 came through a five-game epic of his own to take down English wildcard Sam Todd.

El Torkey, runner up in the U23 World Squash Championships this year, thought he was heading home after losing to Noor Zaman in the qualification event, only to receive an unexpected reprieve via a "lucky loser" berth following Ramit Tandon's late withdrawal.

The Egyptian grabbed the opportunity with both hands, though, following up his win over compatriot Yahya Elnawasany in round one with another impressive victory in the second round over the English wildcard.