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.
