Willstrop draws familiar face

Seeking his first world title, Leeds’s world No 1 – and the event’s top seed – took just 26 minutes to despatch Canadian Shawn Delierre 11-2 11-0 11-7 on the all-glass court at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha.

“I started much better than in the first round,” said Willstrop.

“I suppose I was always trying to work on that. This time everything worked. It’s what you want to do. It sets the tone (for the tournament).

“This can be such a tough court to play on – and he was reeling after playing in the other courts (with plaster walls).

“It’s important to keep your body in shape, and yet you need decent matches. It’s about finding balance, but to get two wins like this and to have two rest days – well, I will take that.”

Ghosal, the world No 21, become the first Indian in the 36-year history of the PSA World Tour’s premier event to reach the last 16, defeating Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, who was forced to retire hurt with a calf injury.

After his 11-4 11-8 6-1 victory, Ghosal said: “I’m very proud to be the first Indian to reach the world championship last 16.

“I want to be in the top 10, so I shall look forward to playing James whom I know very well.”

Today sees Nick Matthew continue his bid for a third straight world title against Australia’s Zac Alexander.