Defending champion England beat Australia 3-0 to top Pool B in the mixed event competition after both teams ensured themselves of knockout places on Wednesday.

Title favorite Egypt, unbeaten in Pool A, will meet Australia in one semifinal on Friday, while Malaysia will clash with England in the other.

In the deciding match between Malaysia and France, Kamran Khan held his nerves when it mattered to beat Gregorie Marche 5-11, 11-9, 11-3, 2-11, 11-4 in 71 minutes.

The 21-year-old Khan was making his senior debut at this event but had played the higher-ranked Marche in the juniors. After winning the third game 11-3 to lead 2-1, Khan said he relaxed too much in the fourth, but refocused to win the fifth.

“There was pressure on both of us. I just didn't want to let my team down,” Khan said. “After taking a lead I guess I got a bit complacent in the fourth game but then I pulled myself up. I was more consistent, my pace was better.” Leading Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet won the opener when he beat a temperamental Muhd Asyraf Azan 11-4, 11-13, 11-3, 11-0.

“It was difficult. I had to win the opening match to give ourselves a chance,” Castagnet said. “(World No. 1) Nicol (David) was playing next.” David duly took care of Coline Aumard 11-2, 11-3, 11-2 in only 20 minutes.

“We knew we had to take one match. We lost the first one and Nicol won hers,” Malaysia coach Raymond Arnold said.

“(Khan) was good. He had his lucky moments, he played really well.

“We knew (the match) was going to be close. It could have gone either way.” Fourth-ranked James Willstrop defeated Australian Cameron Pilley 11-6, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 to put England ahead.

Women's No. 2 Jenny Duncalf edged No. 3 Rachael Grinham 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9 to clinch the win, and Peter Barker wrapped it up for England by brushing aside Aaron Frankcomb 11-5, 11-6, 11-6.

Host India recorded its first victory by defeating Mexico 2-1.