CAIRO, Aug 30: Egypt's Amr Shabana is under no illusions how much pressure he will be under when he starts the defence of his world squash title in front of the pyramids in Giza from Friday.

The 2006 World Open championships from Sept 1 to 6 will take place at one of the most spectacular venues in sport, and the local favourite will have the support of a nation as he seeks to retain his crown.

But top seed Shabana faces an exceptionally tough field, with at least 10 contenders in with a chance of taking the title.

“I played before many times in Egypt, and it can be an advantage for sure — it can raise your game,” he said.

“I don't think about it too much, but the pressure will only be in the days before I play. Once I start playing I will get the energy.”

One of Shabana's main rivals is Frenchman Thierry Lincou, the 2004 world champion, who warmed up impressively by capturing the English Open title two weeks ago.

Neither Shabana, nor Karim Darwish, the other Egyptian in the top 10, took part in the Sheffield event, which may mean they start slightly fresher but will also be slightly behind in terms of match practice.

Other serious rivals to the 27-year-old left-hander include Australia's former world champion David Palmer and his compatriot Anthony Ricketts, the British Open and Super Series titleholder.

James Willstrop, who led his country to the world title in Islamabad 10 months ago, may be the most in-form of the English contenders but the highest profile figure is Peter Nicol.

The 33-year-old spent a total of 60 months as world number one and has chosen the world championships to bring down the curtain on the most successful career over the past decade.—Reuters