Fahti had provided one of the shocks on the opening day when he defeated 14th seed Cameron Pilley of Australia, but he looked on course for a second round exit after losing the first two games 11-7, 12-10 against Meguid.

A stirring fightback saw Fahti win the next three games of the tie to emerge as a 7-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4 winner.

He is now set to meet another Egyptian in the form of Mohamed El Shorbagy, with the world number one having beaten Finland’s Olli Tuominen 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.

"After the second game my mum came down and just told me to enjoy it," said Fathi.

"I started to ask myself what the fuss was about, yes it's the Worlds but if you don't relax then you won't perform.

"I got to the third round last year at the World Championships as well but this year, in Cairo it feels so much better."

There was further drama involving home players, with Egypt’s Ali Farag battling to a 5-11, 11-1, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5 victory over England’s James Willstrop.

He is due to face eighth seeded Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez, after he defeated Mohamed Reda of Egypt 11-9, 11-9, 11-2.

England’s Nick Matthew, a three-time winner of the tournament, overcame Hong Kong’s Leo Au by 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 in their second round match.

Matthew will meet Simon Rösner in the third round, after the German comfortably beat Mexico’s Cesar Salazar 11-8, 11-7, 12-10.