Squash: Nick Matthew ready for Karim Abdel Gawad test in the quarter-finals of the Worlds

Sheffield star Matthew, who beat Campbell Grayson and Leo Au in the earlier rounds, edged out Rösner 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10 to set up a clash with World No 3 Karim Abdel Gawad.

The 36-year-old, who won the sport’s most sought-after title in 2010, 2011 and 2013, is in good form, having reached the US Open final last month.

Matthew said: “I’m not sure why but I felt a bit flat in the first game.

“I was trying to fire myself up, get more aggressive, but he [Rösner] was controlling the pace, and sometimes, he can play at a very fast pace.

“In the first game, I was too safe, and that was not good enough. It’s not my style to attack very quickly like the Egyptians, but I had to find a right balance….

“I obviously didn’t want to go 2-0 down and that second game was crucial and maybe a turning point. I certainly felt more in control after that game - it settled me down a bit.

“I felt a little bit flat for some reason when I first came on - I have to work out why that is.

“It was windy and there was a little bit of humidity. It was not easy at all.

“But at the World Championships you have to dig those results out and I think I will benefit a lot from this match tonight in terms of getting me back match-fit for the next round.”

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