Farhan Mehboob. -Photo courtesy squashsite.co.uk

Khan, who had breezed through his first and second round opponents, fell to world no. 2 Nick Matthew of England after a tough battle that ended with scores of 10-12, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5. The third game of the match saw a marathon 70-stroke rally that stretched the Englishman and is bound to leave him feeling the after effects of the talented Pakistani.

“He was a difficult player to play,” said Matthew of Khan who had moments when he found nicks and disguises with flashes of brilliance.

“I have always found him hard. Its sometimes hard to get a rhythm against him.

“I was a little bit passive in the first and it was shaky start. But I was pleased that after that I was able to keep a decent lead in the other games.

“If youre seven-all or eight-all with him he can make a run of winners and be dangerous. But I will have to take it up another level for my next one,” added Matthew.

Khan's compatriot Mehboob tried hard but was beaten in straight sets by Australian Stewart Boswell, the world no. 18.