Nick Matthew's giant-killing heroics soared to greater heights yesterday as he knocked off world champion Amr Shabana to leave his name echoing from spectators' lips for the second straight day at the Bermuda Open.

Anyone who mistook the talented Englishman's demolition of tournament top seed and recent world number one Thierry Lincou of France for a fluke on Wednesday were left in no doubt yesterday that he is one of squash's hottest young prospects.

Showing a doggedness and mental resilience that are fast becoming his trademarks, Matthew battled to a 6-15, 15-13, 3-15, 15-11, 15-10 quarter-final triumph that he ranked alongside his Lincou conquest as one of the most vital of his career.

Even if not in his modest thoughts, it installed him as a tournament favourite with several fans who were awed with the manner in which he countered Shabana's sublime touch and amazing speed.

“Yes, it's a great tournament for me, beating someone who was world number one last month and now the world champion. But I'm just keeping quiet, down to earth and taking things as they come,” said the 23-year-old.

That's probably a good policy for a player whose fortunes oscillated wildly in the match, especially in the first and third sets when his scores were limited to single digits. In those games, the flamboyant Shabana displayed panache and sheer artistry with a magnificent and clever array of shots which left the crowd gasping and cheering in appreciation of the Egyptian's brilliance.

Throughout, though, Matthew remained solid in shot selection - putting away any chances he got - and in the end his fortitude and mettle prevailed over his more temperamental opponent.

“It was probably more guts that got me through in the end rather than great squash but sometimes that's the case,” acknowledged the winner.

“I felt fine at the end but in the third game I started to feel a bit tired but then I got a second wind and I was fine after that.

“He (Shabana) is so tricky to play because he attacks all the time and you never know what to expect with him so it's hard to get into a rhythm. It was tough because I was trying to keep him to the back but at the same time I had to attack as well.”

Matthew's plan was to keep cutting the ball high to the back court because he realised the world champion - whom he has now beaten in both their matches - was vulnerable in that regard and making mistakes.

Southpaw Shabana applauded his rival, saying the world number ten played well and deserved to win.

“It was not one of my greatest moments. I thought I was playing all right but I'm a bit rusty because it's my first tournament since I've been injured and I'm not that sharp. Maybe next time I'll play better,” conceded the 25-year-old who certainly won his share of fans in Bermuda.

“I have a few things to think about when I go home - a bit of precision and a bit more discipline.”

Matthew's success set up an all-England semi-final with his pal Lee Beachill who went the distance against Joseph Kneipp.

Beachill - the world and Open's fourth seed - took the Australian down under 15-8, 11-15, 17-15, 10-15, 15-4 in 82 minutes. His performance in the third set was particularly impressive as he withstood four set points to level the score 14-all and then win it 17-15.

“Joe made some mistakes and I got to 12-14 and the pressure reverted a bit. I started to play well and I squeezed that game out,” recalled the 26-year-old.

That, he noted, was a psychologically-important twist but Kneipp rebounded to win the fourth set as Beachill failed to capitalise on his momentum.

“He played really tight and lobbed well to get himself out of trouble and when he got an opportunity he put some great shots in short as well,” continued Beachill.

Understandably disappointed with how he wilted in the decisive set - which he termed “a rubbish game” - Kneipp, 30, revealed he lacked confidence and was struggling to stay focused.

As for today's semi-final, Beachill feels he stands as good a chance as his England team-mate Matthew. Based on record, he should actually be favoured as the latter has never beaten him. However, given Matthew's current rampage who knows what the outcome will be.