Top players make return to the Pyramids

Squash

The world's top players return to the sport's most spectacular setting today for the Al Ahram International championships in Cairo. Last year's inaugural event, staged on an open-air, illuminated court against the backdrop of the Pyramids, resulted in unprecedented media attention which helped make it the sport's richest tournament.

The event received even more attention when Egypt's top player, Ahmed Barada, then only 19 and a wild-card entry, beat the world No 2, Rodney Eyles, and the No 7, Chris Walker, on his way to the final. But he was beaten in straight games in the final by Jansher Khan who is favourite to retain his title.

He is scheduled to meet Eyles in this year's final, although the Australian is on course to play Barada again in the last eight. Scotland's Peter Nicol, the No 3 seed, is drawn to face Eyles in the semi-finals.