The French ace was twice game point down in the first game of a gruelling battle with Olli Tuominen, but recovered to win 11-10, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8.

It ensured that Lincou will progress to the stage of the tournament which is played entirely at the Giza pyramids, but in his second hard match in two days the 30-year-old was made to work for an hour and a quarter.

“I was not bold enough, I didn't vary my game enough today. The rallies were long, but seemed to be on the same pattern,” Lincou admitted.

“Overall, I lacked confidence and variety, but all credit to him, he was very present on the ball, was volleying extremely well, and was stepping in front of me, controlling the rallies much better than I was.”

Lincou now faces Peter Nicol in the last eight. Nicol, the former world champion from Britain, beat Lincou at the same stage of the World Open last year in Hong Kong.

Nicol came through with his second escape in two days. He was match point down against Graham Ryding of Canada on Friday and had to save three points to avoid going two games down against Stewart Boswell of Australia.

Nicol eventually survived 7-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-2 and ensured he will play his last match before the tomb of the pharaohs where he won the World Open seven years ago.

Saturday’s results:

Second round: 5-Anthony Ricketts (Australia) beat 16-Adrian Grant (England) 11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8; Ramy Ashour (Egypt) beat 10-Lee Beachill (England) 11-4, 10-12, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5; 6-Peter Nicol (England) beat Stewart Boswell (Australia) 7-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-2; 8-Gregory Gaultier (France) beat 11-John White (Scotland) 11-3, 11-6, 11-8; 3-Thierry Lincou (France) beat 14-Olli Tuominen (Finland) 11-10, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8.—AFP