The world number three was tested by the impressive Lee at the Hong Kong Squash Centre, with the local player hitting back twice after falling behind.

Elshorbagy, who has won three of the first four tournaments of the season, eventually came through to secure a 11-7, 2-11, 12-10, 10-12, 11-4 win.

"I think Max played well, it was always going to be difficult playing him on his home court," said Elshorbagy.

"I felt a little flat mentally, but it was the perfect first round to sharpen me up.

“This is my fifth tournament in a row and I’ve played more matches than anyone else so far this season but these are the kinds of situations you want to be in, you want to challenge yourself and I was up to that challenge.

"I played a very good fifth game, it was a very tricky match and I used all of my experience."

The Egyptian will now meet qualifier Lucas Serme in the second round, after the Frenchman surprisingly beat Egypt’s Omar Mosaad 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5.

There was an all-French first round match between world number one Gregory Gaultier and Gregoire Marche.

Gaultier comfortably dispatched of his compatriot 11-3, 11-3, 11-9, with the result setting up a clash against New Zealand’s Paul Coll.

Coll came from behind to beat Indian qualifier Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu 9-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-1.

Women’s world number one Nour El Sherbini showed her quality with a straightforward win over fellow Egyptian Nada Abbas.

El Sherbini triumphed in just 16 minutes against her 17-year-old opponent, winning by a score of 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.

Australia’s Donna Urquhart will hope to halt El Sherbini in the second round, following her 11-1, 11-5, 11-9 win over England’s Victoria Lust.

There was better fortunes for another English player, as world number four Laura Massaro claimed a 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 win over Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy.

Competition will continue tomorrow, with the second half of the first round draws set to take place.