Egyptian squash star Amr Shabana has booked his place in the semifinals of the US Open after beating countryman Omar Mosaad in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Shabana, who has lifted the US Open cup twice before, took only 36 minutes to beat Mosaad 11-3, 11-8 and 11-8.

"I was fortunate in that I played my best today and Omar was a little off his game, as he usually gives me a pretty tough battle," Shabana said after the game.

The 35-year-old will face a tough competition against current world champion Nick Matthew, who booked his semi-final place following a 3-0 win over Fares Dessouki, when the two stars play in the tournament semis on Saturday.

"Nick is an unbelievable athlete and I will have to give it my all against him in tomorrow's semi-final. I will need to be at my best to be able to compete with him but I hope I can do that and put on a great show for the fans," the Egyptian squash star added.

Shabana last defeated Nick Matthew at the quarter-final stage of the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York this  January.

Earlier on Thursday Egyptian champion Mohamed Elshorbagy defeated Englishman Adrian Waller 2-1 to set up a semifinal game against Frenchman Gregory Gaultier.

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