Nicol David of Malaysia reached the quarter-finals of the British Open ©Getty Images

Malaysian superstar Nicol David overcame a stern test from Hong Kong's Joey Chan to reach the quarter-finals of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) British Open at the Airco Arena in Hull today.

Eight-time World Open champion David lost the third set before fighting back in a 47 minute encounter.

She eventually prevailed 11-4, 14-12, 9-11, 11-2.

English number two Sarah-Jane Perry became the third home player to reach the quarter-finals today.

She joined compatriots Laura Massaro and Emily Whitlock in the last eight after surviving a tough examination from Wales' world number 19 Tesni Evans.

Evans fought valiantly but was ultimately unable to live with the power of her opponent in a 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 defeat.

Perry will now face Donna Urquhart of Australia, who won 8-11, 11-3, 11-8, 6-11, 11-1 today against Egyptian qualifier Nada Abbas. 

Massaro and Whitlock both booked their places yesterday with respective wins over Mayar Hany and Alison Waters.

Frenchman Gregory Gaultier, pictured playing in Dubai last year, continued his superb form today ©Getty Images
Frenchman Gregory Gaultier, pictured playing in Dubai last year, continued his superb form today ©Getty Images

“It’s fantastic that we’ve got three English women through to the quarter-finals,” said Perry.

“I can’t remember that happening many times at the British Open, it shows that we’re really pushing on and challenging the Egyptian reign."

Two-time British Open champion Gregory Gaultier continued his good form after steamrollering his way past Australian number one Cameron Pilley in round two.

The 34-year-old dropped just nine points against Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the opening round.

He was event more impressive today as he required just 31 minutes to complete an 11-1, 11-3, 11-2 triumph.

This secured an all-French quarter-final tie against world number 19 Mathieu Castagnet.

He ground out a 3-0 victory over Hong Kong’s Max Lee today.