CHENNAI, Dec 5: World No.1 Amr Shabana will spearhead title favourites Egypt’s challenge in the World Men’s Squash team championship, starting here on Thursday.

Shabana, 28, last week won his third World Open title in Bermuda, defeating Frenchman Gregory Gaultier in final.

Egypt also have the services of Darwish Karim (world No. 8) and Wael El Hindi (world No. 9) besides Mohammed Abbas (world No. 14).

Ramy Ashour (world No. 2) is not participating due to injury.

Other top contenders are defending champions England and France.

James Willstrop is leading England’s challenge. France would look to former World Open champion and current world No.3 Gaultier and No. 5 Theirry Lincou to carry their title hopes.

Also nursing title aspirations are Australia in whose ranks are David Palmer (No.4) and Stewart Boswell (No.15).

Pakistan and India are in the same pool. Pakistan have no player in top-20 and their highest ranked player is Amir Atlas Khan who is at No. 28.—PPI