By SEAN REUTHE
Former World No.1 James Willstrop has withdrawn from the upcoming El Gouna International after suffering a viral infection that will keep him out of the final PSA World Series tournament of the season.
The 32-year-old Yorkshireman was due to face close friend and training partner Saurav Ghosal in the opening round, but his withdrawal means that his spot in the main draw will now be taken up by Hong Kong’s Leo Au.
Willstrop had previously finished as a runner-up in this event back in 2012 but lost out to current champion Ramy Ashour in the final.
El Gouna International – Revised First Round Draw
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v Mazen Hesham (EGY)
Chris Simpson (ENG) v [Qualifier]
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v [Qualifier]
[8] Simon Rösner (GER) v [Qualifier]
[7] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v [Qualifier]
Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Leo Au (HKG)
Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v [WC] Zahed Mohamed (EGY)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [3] Omar Mosaad (EGY)
[4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY)
Max Lee (HKG) v [Qualifier]
Daryl Selby (ENG) v Fares Dessouki (EGY)
Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) v [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
[5] Tarek Momen (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Ali Farag (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [Qualifier]
Tom Richards (ENG) v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
The 2016 El Gouna International takes place from April 21-24 at the Movenpick Hotel and between April 24-29 at the New Marina, El Gouna.