The world number one won his third title in four years as he managed to outclass close friend Gautier by three straight games 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 in just 42 minutes.

Shabana is one of four players who have won the trophy three times, and he is now on course to win an unprecedented fourth title.

"I don't think I have ever played as well as today, to beat Greg after the way he has been playing this week - he beat everybody 3/0 - I had to play the best squash of my life," Shabana said after his victory.

"And, of course, he beat me in front of my home crowd in Egypt in the World Open last year."

On the other hand, the world number three Gautier admitted that his Egyptian opponent has been in top form that night.

"He played so well tonight - and in the end I just didn't know what to do. I tried hard and didn't want to give up. But it just wasn't my day," said the Frenchman.