CHENNAI, India: Title favorite Egypt started strong in the squash World Cup in winning both of its matches on the opening day Tuesday of the mixed team competition that has been revived after 12 years. Egypt, with three men ranked in the world's top 10, beat fifth-seeded Malaysia 2-1 then swept eighth-seeded South Africa 3-0 in Pool A. The No. 2-seeded England also won its opener, 3-0 over India, while No. 3 Australia defeated Mexico by the same margin in Pool B. World No. 3 Karim Darwish beat Malaysian Mohammad Asyraf 11-1, 11-5, 11-1 to open Egypt's account. Top-ranked women's player Nicol David helped Malaysia draw level with a 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 win over Raneem El Walily, but men's No. 9 Mohamed El Shorbagy clinched it for Egypt with an 11-4, 11-6, 11-7 win over Kamran Khan. No. 2 Ramy Ashour, rested for the opening round, put Egypt in the lead against South Africa with a 12-10, 12-10, 11-6 over Stephen Coppinger. El Walily beat Siyoli Waters 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 to clinch victory, and Mohamed El Shorbagy beat Rodney Durbach 11-7, 7-11, 11-0, 11-7 to finish off the match.
