Vargas Fightback Ends 3x Champion ElShorbagy's 2026 British Open Hopes

Colombian Juan Vargas recovered from 2/0 down to defeat former world No.1 and three-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy for the first time and progress to round three of the Quilter Cheviot British Open at the Rep Theatre in Birmingham.

Vargas, who had never before taken a game from the Englishman, overturned the two-game deficit to reach the third round of the Diamond-level event for a second year running.

ElShorbagy not only holds the record for the most appearances on the PSA Squash Tour but was also marking his 800th Tour match in a record 15th successive appearance in the British Open since 2009. Vargas surged back to restore parity and, after a conduct stroke went against the Englishman in the decider, pressed on to close out the fifth 11-1.

"It's hard to find the words right now, emotionally and for Mohamed, who I have so much respect for," said the 32-year-old from Bogota.

"I told him that he was one of the greatest of all time. Emotionally it hits differently, I used to see him when he was No.1 in the world and I couldn't believe how much he plays this game. This is a dream come true.

"I have played him a few times and I have been doing okay in these big events. Last year, I managed to get to the third round, but I was really hoping to get an upset like this soon, so I am just really happy that it happened today against such a legend. I am speechless to be honest."

Egyptian teenager Adam Hawal produced a shock result of his own at the Solihull Arden Club, with the world No.80 ousting world No.17 Gregoire Marche 3/1.

Hawal, who stunned World No.2 Paul Coll earlier this season at the CIB Egyptian Open, prevailed in qualifying of this event to earn his spot in the main draw and dispatched Spain's Bernat Jaume in round one before triumphing 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5 against Frenchman Marche.

"I'm over the moon, it was a tough battle. It was a very tough battle both physically and mentally, so I am glad that I've gone through it," said the 17-year-old.

"I knew that as I was tired that he's tired too, so I just tried to push further and until the end. Some of us drop and he dropped first but that doesn't mean he is not a great player. He's a tremendous player but I am glad that I played better today.

"I feel like I am actually dreaming. Playing at the Rep Theatre is something I have been watching since I was a kid, so playing there that's a huge honour for me and I will give it my all there."

In the women's event, Melissa Alves saved three match balls to down England No.2 Jasmine Hutton in a five-game thriller.

Alves, who hadn't beaten Hutton on Tour since 2019, was 2/1 up before the Englishwoman roared back to force a fifth game.

Hutton, who recently defeated Alves at the Grasshopper Cup, fought back from 7-4 down in the fifth and had three match balls for a place in the third round, only for Alves to save all three and convert herself in the tiebreak to end a streak of seven years without a win on Tour against Hutton.

"These are the matches you want to win, want to play and be a part of, especially for the crowd, for the sport and for myself as I train for these moments," said Alves.

"Three match balls down and I had an opportunity so I knew I had to take these ones right, so I am very, very happy.

"Playing Jasmine is very, very exciting, it's free-flowing and good squash. I am just very happy."

Elsewhere, Salma Hany battled back from 2/1 down to overcome England's Torrie Malik 3/2.

It wasn't a promising start for the Egyptian, who lost the first 11-0, but the world No.14 bounced back to prevail with a 0-11, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11, 11-7 victory in under an hour against home hope Malik.

"Today, I am very, very proud of myself. Obviously she played very well and I had a terrible start and she was also playing very well, but yes I am very glad that I got the win," Hany said post-match.

"I am looking forward to the next round. If I want to be one of the top players I have got to find ways to get through those days and I'm very proud to have got the win in the end."

Amanda Sobhy will join them in round three after the US No.2 crowned her 500th match on Tour with a 3/1 success against Scot Georgia Adderley.