Ashour stands in Willstrop's final path

The 27-year-old, from Leeds, defeated Egypt's Mohamed El Shorbagy 11-8 11-7 11-8 to set up a last four clash with No1 seed and former world No1 Ramy Ashour, the third time the pair will have faced each other in the event, Willstrop prevailing last year to lift the trophy.

"I managed to be very accurate and was rewarded," said Willstrop who faces his Egyptian rival at around midnight UK time on Wednesday night.

"Ramy is one of the great racquet players to ever hit the ball. Right now I feel I am on a par with him and could beat him on any given day."

Ashour cemented his place in the last four by defeating Australian David Palmer 9-11 11-5 11-6 11-8 in 43 minutes.

If successful Willstrop could get another chance to end his losing streak against Yorkshire rival and world No 1 Nick Matthew in Thursday night's final.

That all depends on whether the Sheffield-born 30-year-old is able to negotiate his way past fellow Englishman Peter Barker in the early hours of Wednesday morning.