AP - Angered by his sport's Olympic snub, Australia's Cameron Pilley has earned a third round clash with Egyptian genius Ramy Ashour at the squash world championships.
Hard-hitting Pilley edged Malaysian Nafiizwan Adnan 11-9 11-3 9-11 11-6 on Tuesday, advancing to the last 16 where his power game will be put to the ultimate test by top seed Ashour, unbeaten in 47 matches and almost 18 months.
Australia's top-ranked player is still getting over the International Olympic Committee's decision last month not to include short-listed squash among new sports for the Summer Games.
"I found it very tough," said Pilley, a Delhi Commonwealth Games gold medallist who has had his smashes clocked at 280km/h.
"There was such a build up to the announcement and the squash community had done so much to strengthen its chances to become am Olympic sport.
"I thought it was a disgrace the way the whole thing was handled.
"But we will keep pushing for Olympic inclusion for the future."
Titleholder Ashour overcame 19-year-old Fares Dessouki 11-6 11-6 11-4 with a clinical touch that was missing from his first-round win over Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema.
"I have never felt bad here in Manchester or lost a match, and hopefully it will stay the same," said Ashour.
Pilley is already anticipating his return to the United Kingdom in July for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
"Remembering the excitement, pride and honour of representing Australia in India three years ago, it makes me want to do it all again right now," Pilley said.
"Having a gold and bronze (Commonwealth Games medals) already is amazing but my goal is to add to that tally.
"We've all been working hard and I'd love to defend my gold medal."
Meanwhile, Ashour's closest rival, Gregory Gaultier, also reached the last 16 with a 11-9 11-3 11-5 win over Australian qualifier Matthew Karwalski.
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