Men's World Team Championship
Squash Center Denmark, Odense, Denmark
WSF, 27 September-3 October 2009

The top four seeds have taken their anticipated places in the semi-finals of the 22nd Men's World Team Championship in Denmark after straightforward quarter-final wins in the biennial World Squash Federation event at Squash Center Denmark in the city of Odense.

Two of the game's most admired players took to the court in the opening match between favourites Egypt and seventh seeds Canada. It was the first meeting between 30-year-old Cairo-based Amr Shabana, the world No3, and Toronto's 35-year-old retired former world number one Jonathon Power for almost four years.

And the packed gallery were not disappointed when veteran Power, displaying the racket magic which brought him 37 Tour titles during his illustrious career, fought back to draw level after the second game.

But Shabana's superior fitness ultimately shone through as the three-time world champion went on to claim an 11-9, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7 victory. Successes by world No4 Ramy Ashour and world No13 Wael El Hindi gave Egypt the 3/0 win which takes the team through to a semi-final against eight times champions Australia, the fourth seeds.

Twice world individual champion David Palmer beat Farhan Mehboob 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 to lead Australia to a 3/0 win over sixth seeds Pakistan - but the six-time champions will no doubt be pleased to be guaranteed a top eight finish after ending their 2007 campaign in ninth place.

Defending champions England again had to contend without squad number one Nick Matthew, the world No5 who was sidelined earlier in the week by a serious ankle injury. But fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop led the second-seeded team to victory over a resurgent Italy, beating former Englishman Marcus Berrett 11-3, 12-10, 11-6 in 26 minutes.

Team-mates Peter Barker and Adrian Grant also overcame Italian opposition without dropping games - but Italy will be rejoicing at their success in reaching the last eight for the first time in six attempts since 1989.

England will now face formidable European rivals France, the cross-channel opponents who they have faced in nine European Team Championships' finals this decade. Led by world number two Gregory Gaultier, third seeds France despatched outsiders South Africa, the 11th seeds, 3/0.

But Gaultier was stretched to four games by South African stalwart Rodney Durbach before beating the 37-year-old former touring pro 11-5, 12-14, 11-4, 11-5 in 45 minutes.

However, South Africa - who now face Italy - are sure to record their best finish since 2001.