David Palmer's title will today come under serious threat when the defending champion goes head-to-head with super-talented Amr Shabana in the semi-finals of the World Open.

World number one Shabana defeated Thierry Lincou 3-1 last night at Fairmont Southampton to set up the mouth-watering duel against Bermuda resident Palmer.

Australian Palmer kept the Island's on-court connection alive with a brutishly clinical display against veteran Alex Gough, winning in three straight games.

He quite simply outclassed the Welshman by 11-5, 11-4, 11-4 in just 41 minutes and admitted he was more than happy with his draw against the rank outsider.

"I suppose I got a nice draw and it was good practice for me ahead of the semi-finals," he said. "But then again it doesn't matter whatever someone's ranking is, or their age, if they reach the quarters then they're playing well. I knew I had to control Alex because he's a confidence player and I had to stay on top of him.

"It will certainly be an interesting game against Shabana. He's on the back of three tournament victories, which is a tremendous effort.

"It will be tough but semi-finals of the World Open are supposed to be tough."

Frenchman Lincou had earlier edged a thrilling first game 12-10, before Shabana emphasised his class and responded to win three straight games 11-6, 12-10 and 11-5.

The Egyptian said he was mightily relieved to advance past Lincou, before praising the Bermuda crowd's knowledge and appreciation of squash.

"I always love coming to Bermuda and the crowd really understands the game," said Shabana. "I've been here around four times and it's always a joy.

"It's an understatement to say there are no easy games at this level. To beat Thierry Lincou you have to be at 110 percent and I'm extremely happy to be in the semi-finals. It's not easy being number one in the world as you know everybody else is out to get you and I just try and play each point as it comes."

Lion-hearted James Willstrop was unable to repeat his comeback heroics of the previous two rounds against fellow Englishman Nick Matthew.

Willstrop could not to find an answer to the clinical play of his compatriot, going down 11-8, 11-6-11-4 in 60 minutes. US Open champion Matthew will now meet mercurially gifted world number two Gregory Gaultier in tonight's semi-finals.

"I knew James wasn't super-human despite the guts he showed to progress through the earlier rounds," said Matthew.

"We know each other very well and I've the utmost respect for James both on and off the court."

Wristy Frenchman Gaultier breezed past fans' favourite John White, of Scotland, 12-10, 11-6, 11-5.