The 24-year-old was in fine form at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Series tournament and came through the all Egyptian clash 11-13, 11-7, 14-12, 11-4.

Gawad, a former World Championship runner-up, hadn't been knocked out in the opening round since January 2014.

“I'm over the moon to come through today,” said Gawad.

"The last time we played I think I only took about four points from him so when I saw I was playing Omar in the first round I knew it would be tough.

"He's played a lot of tournaments recently and has had some good results and been in great form so I'm very happy to win.

"He's one of the toughest players on tour mentally and physically and I could feel he was tired today but I still had to play at my best to make sure I could get the win and I need to focus on the second round and push on in the next match.”

Elsewhere, Egypt's top seed Mohamed Elshorbagy beat Switzerland's qualifier Nicolas Mueller 11-7, 12-10, 11-4 in his first round clash.

French number eight seed Mathieu Castagnet, who was struggling with illness, was toppled by India's Saurav Ghosal 11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6.

In the women's tournament, Denmark's Line Hansen came from behind to beat Malaysia's world number 15 Delia Arnold, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9.

Home favourite Laura Massaro, the top seed, saw off American qualifier Olivia Blatchford 11-2, 11-5, 11-6 with Egypt's number three ranked Raneem El Welily easing past Belgium's Nele Gilis 11-5, 11-3, 11-3.

The action continues at the Airco Arena tomorrow.