The tournament, taking place in the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Giza, has attracted a top field with women's world number one Nour El Sherbini winning the first match to take place at the famous landmark in more than a decade.

The Egyptian came through against Australian Rachael Grinham 11-7, 11-4, 11-4 and will play compatriot Omneya Abdel Kawy in the last eight.

"I've been really excited since I knew the tournament was happening," said El Sherbini, the reigning world champion.

"It was my first ever time here at the Pyramids so it was very exciting. 

"The court is amazing from the inside - and I think it will be even more amazing later in the week.

"But I had to focus really hard to play my game and focus on the squash and I'm happy to come through."

Egypt's former world number one Raneem El Welily is another player through in the women's draw after a 11-8, 11-2, 11-7 success over India's Joshna Chinappa.

Malaysia's eight-time world champion Nicol David booked her passage through by beating Fiona Moverley of England 11-8, 11-7, 11-9.

In the men's draw, world number one Mohamed Elshorbagy matched the achievement of compatriot El Sherbini by getting the better of Australian Cameron Pilley in four games, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8.

He was joined in the last eight by World Championship runner-up Omar Mosaad, with the Egyptian beating his team-mate Karim Ali Fathi 11-4, 11-6, 11-6.

Another Egyptian, triple world champion Ramy Ashour, came through against compatriot Omar Abdel Meguid, 11-5, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7.

"I was really nervous throughout the match," said Elshorbagy.

"He wasn't playing his best and he almost took me out today. 

"The last two times we played, he beat me and he was playing incredibly well so today, being in Egypt as well, made it extra tough.

"I had to be mentally strong - I wanted to win today however long it took and I'm happy about that."