Teenager Zakaria Marks Maiden Diamond Quarter-Final At British Open

Egypt's 18-year-old Mohamad Zakaria advanced to his maiden PSA Squash Tour Diamond quarter-final after dispatching Colombian Juan Vargas in straight games at the Quilter Cheviot British Open at the Rep Theatre in Birmingham.

The two-time World Junior Champion was foiled by Mohamed ElShorbagy in round three of last year's event and by Joel Makin at the same stage of the Egyptian Open - the other Diamond event on the PSA Squash Tour calendar - at the start of this season, but the teenager was successful on this occasion for a last eight berth.

Victory for Zakaria ends Vargas' memorable run in Birmingham, after the Colombian staged a magnificent comeback to axe three-time champion ElShorbagy in round two. However, Zakaria was too strong for Vargas, winning 11-7, 11-4, 11-7.

"He played a very good match," said Zakaria later. "I thought I was prepared but I wasn't. I didn't start well and I didn't find my range on the court, maybe towards the back I am hitting good lines but apart from that I couldn't really find the front but I will get better towards the end of the tournament and I am sure I will figure it out.

"It has been a very good season for me, every match I am playing I am just telling myself just don't ruin this season, don't lose a match you shouldn't be losing and I feel like it has been working so far. I am happy that I have been showing a really strong level so far."

Standing in Zakaria's way of a place in the semi-finals is defending champion Diego Elias, who overcame Youssef Soliman.

Elias, who became the second South American to win the British Open after Miguel Rodriguez achieved that feat in 2018, won in just 25 minutes after the Egyptian retired due to injury.

Reigning World Champion Mostafa Asal and Victor Crouin go head-to-head in the quarter finals on Thursday following their straight game wins over Eain Yow Ng and Adam Hawal, respectively.

In the women's event, Fayrouz Aboelkheir will feature in her first British Open quarter-final following her come-from-behind victory over her Egyptian compatriot Salma Hany.

Aboelkheir hasn't gone beyond round three in the previous two years in Birmingham, but the world No.7 prevailed this time as she defeated her fellow countrywoman 3/1.

Hany, who was winless against Aboelkheir in over three years on Tour, deservedly drew first blood with a 11-7 victory, but 20-year-old Aboelkheir battled back to win the ensuing games 11-7, 11-4, 11-2 for a quarter-final spot.

"Salma is such a great player, she's been on Tour longer than I have and I think she was one of my biggest wins before and I'm happy to be on court with her," she said.

"It's such a pleasure - I was growing up watching her as one of the most attacking players on Tour so I'm glad to be through today.

"If someone had told me 10 days ago I would be playing in the quarter finals I would say you're crazy! But I'm here and I believe that I belong in that place."

World No.1 Hania El Hammamy will meet Aboelkheir in the last eight on Thursday, and the former champion continued her hunt for a second British Open crown after downing Rowan Elaraby 3/0.

El Hammamy, who lifted the British Open in 2022, stretched her unbeaten run over Elaraby on Tour to nine matches following a 13-11, 11-3, 11-7 victory.

Recently-crowned World Champion Amina Orfi will lock horns with Amanda Sobhy in the last eight, as the 18-year-old overcame Melissa Alves - who retired due to injury at the start of the third game - while US No.2 Sobhy produced an immaculate performance to upset Tinne Gilis 3/0.

"I am very pleased with that. We are neck and neck in the rankings and I saw this as a great opportunity to not only get a scalp against someone in the top ten, but in terms of playing people around my area and the rankings and having a good fair battle, which is always nice. So I am very proud of my performance today," Sobhy said.

"It's really hard to not enjoy a venue like this, and a crowd that is this amazing. I really appreciate the support - I heard a lot of vocal Sobhy supporters which we love so I am very happy."