Mohamed ElShorbagy began in Chicago with a routine victory ©PSA

Egypt's Mohamed ElShorbagy began his quest for a second Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Championships title and the world number one spot with a routine victory in Chicago.

The 2017 world champion and second seed brushed aside Tsz Fung Yip of Hong Kong 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 in 25 minutes at the University of Chicago's Cathedral Hall.

ElShorbagy knows that he will become world number one if he reaches the final, regardless of what current holder and compatriot Ali Farag does at the event.

"I know that if he doesn't reach the final I'm going to become world number one, but if I reach the final I'll be world number one anyway," the 30-year-old said. 

"It's all in my hands, I'm in control, I want him to keep winning, and I want to keep winning. 

"I want to kick him out of the world number one spot, that's all I’m thinking of. 

"I've been counting down the days until that moment, and that moment is very, very soon now."

Elsewhere, there was history for Japan as Ryosei Kobayashi became the first man from the country to reach round two of the World Championships.

He enjoyed a topsy-turvy victory in five games over India's Mahesh Mangaonkar, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3.

Ryosei Kobayashi made history for Japan by reaching round two ©PSA
Ryosei Kobayashi made history for Japan by reaching round two ©PSA

"I'm really happy and really proud to make that record for the squash fans in Japan, for myself, my family and everyone that is supporting my family," he said.

"It's something that will stay forever in Japan, especially because squash in Japan is so small."

New Zealand's Paul Coll, who lost the last World Championship final in Doha in 2019 to Egypt's Tarek Momen, is seeded fourth and knocked out Pakistan's Tayyab Aslam 11-2, 11-5, 11-2.

Egypt's sixth seed and 2016 world champion Karim Abdel Gawad was too strong for France's Sebastien Bonmalais, 13-11, 11-7, 17-15, but Frenchman Gregory Gaultier did make it through.

The 2015 world champion was leading Spain's Iker Pajares Bernabeu 11-9, 11-6, 7-7 when his opponent retired.

In the women's draw, France also celebrated success as third seed and multiple European champion Camille Serme defeated Hong Kong's Lee Ka Yi 11-2, 11-1, 11-6.

Egyptian second seed Nouran Gohar knocked out England's Lucy Beercroft 11-6, 11-1, 11-5 and there was home success for the United States as 12th seed Olivia Clyne saw off Switzerland's Cindy Merlo 11-3, 11-6, 11-5. 

The tournament continues tomorrow with the start of round two.