Former Egyptian world number-one Ramy Ashour appears to be on his way back to the top after defeating compatriot Amr Shabana 3-2 on Friday to reach the British Open semi-finals.

Ashour edged out Shabana in the first two contested games 11/8 and 12/10, but the four-time world champion delivered an impressive performance in the next couple games – 11/1 and 11/5 – to level the score to 2-2.

In the decider, Ashour regained his composure, proving too lively for his 33-year-old rival and claiming a comfortable 11-4 win to clinch a place among the final four.

Ashour will play the winner between world number-one James Willstrop from England and Egypt's Mohamed El-Shorbagy, who are scheduled to play later on Friday.

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