Defending champions Egypt did indeed survive their 1st knockout round to make the last 8 – but the No2 seeds were severely tested by hosts Germany and the sell-out crowd surrounding the stunning new ASB all-glass court. With each successful German shot being supported by wild cheering, whistling, stamping and drumming from the vociferous crowd, it was perhaps no surprise that underdog Raphael Kandra, the world No125, took a game from Egypt’s world No9 Mohamed El Shorbagy – and local star Simon Rosner twice led world No2 Ramy Ashour! But there was not be a fairytale ending for the home side as Ashour upped his game to beat Paderborn-based Rosner, the world No30, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8 to consign Germany to the lower play-off places. “The whole setting here is absolutely amazing, playing squash in front of so many people. They are making even more noise than in Egypt! It was like Soccer tonight, Manchester United against Real Madrid or something”, conceded Ashour.
