LAHORE, Pakistan, 18 December 2003 — John White of Scotland cruised into the last 16 of the World Open squash championship with another clinical straight-games win in the second round here yesterday.

The 30-year-old White demolished qualifier John Rooney of Republic of Ireland 15-13, 15-6, 15-12 in just 36 minutes and showed his determination for the top slot and world crown.

White, in search of his first world title after squandering an opportunity in the final last year and world No. 1 ranking, said he was now shaping up well.

“I was a bit nervous at the start because after a day off on Tuesday you have to start it all over again,” said White, who was 7-12 down in the first game.

White’s expected opponent in the final is his last year’s World Open conqueror David Palmer of Australia.

Palmer now faces an easy passage after top seed and world No. 1 Peter Nicol of England made an early exit.

In a major upset Nicol lost to little-known Italian Davide Bianchetti in five games on Tuesday.

Asia’s only real challenge in Ong Bang Hee of Malaysia subsided when Nick Matthew downed him in a five-game marathon as none of the 16 players who reached round three are from Asia.

Taylor, who beat Palmer in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Classics earlier this month, won 15-13, 10-15, 3-15, 15-12, 15-5 in 67 minutes.

No. 4 seed Thierry Lincou of France stroked his way into the round of 16 with 15-4, 15-12, 15-7 win over Omar Elborolossy of Egypt and now faces Dutchman Tommey Berden in the third round who ended Pakistan’s hopes by outlasting Arshad Iqbal Burki in a come from behind longest match of the championship.

Berden, who upset seeded Martin Heath of Scotland in round one, won 12-15, 9-15, 15-6, 15-13, 15-9 in an hour and 46 minutes after a stamina-sapping match.

“I knew I was the last home hope and after winning the first two games I was physically handled by my opponent which disturbed me,” said Burki after his match.

In another match of the fourth day 23rd seed Nick Taylor of England upset 14th seed Graham Ryding of Canada 15-12, 15-6, 15-9.