England come from behind to reach WSF Women's World Team Championship semi-finals

England's hopes of an eighth WSF Women's World Team Championship are still alive after a brilliant rescue act from Lucy Turmel and Jasmine Hutton against No.4 seeds France at the Madinaty Sporting Club in Cairo, Egypt.

No.3 seeds England, who had finished runners up in Pool C after a defeat to Hong Kong yesterday, looked set for more disappointment when England No.1 and World No.8 Sarah-Jane Perry went down 3-1 to France's World No.27 Melissa Alves.

Lucy Turmel, however, then put in a spirited performance against Coline Aumard to drag England level.

The 23-year-old seemed to be in trouble when she lost a contentious first game 11-9, but regrouped well and became increasingly assured as she cancelled out France's lead with 11-6, 11-6 and 11-3 wins.

In the decisive third match, World No.22 Jasmine Hutton had the daunting task of taking on former World No.2 Camille Serme with the fate of the team in her hands.

Hutton, promoted to No.2 ahead of the tournament following Gina Kennedy's injury problems, however, put in a show-stopping performance that coach David Campion later praised as 'a career best.'

The 23-year-old overwhelmed Serme with an aggressive and high-tempo attacking gameplan to which the Frenchwoman had no answer, with Hutton reeling off points as she closed out the tie 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 in just 24 minutes.

Afterwards, England Coach Campion said:

"That was an unbelievable performance from Jazz, on many levels. To come in under pressure and know that it's on her, that's the best she's ever played, by a country mile. To do it in that situation, against Camille Serme, a legend of the game. She really took it to her and didn't let up at all.

"We all know what she's capable of, she's done that in phases. But she went out and to do that for three games, to hold it together and produce that level. That was an incredible performance.

"I'm so pleased for Lucy and Jazz after going in at 1-0 down, for them to come in and deliver under that kind of pressure, wow, I'm just absolutely thrilled.

"We're absolutely delighted and we're going to have a crack at USA now. I'm really proud of them. Gina was a big loss and to be there, in the semis, fighting away is something they should all be proud of."

England will play No.2 seeds USA in the semi-final, which takes place 15 December at 17:30 UK time. The winner will face either top seeds Egypt or 5/6 seeds Malaysia.

Viewers in England and around the world can watch England's tie with France for free at worldsquash.tv (account required).

Result: WSF Women's World Team Championship quarter-final

[3] England 2-1 France

Sarah-Jane Perry 1-3 Melissa Alves: 11-7, 8-11, 2-11, 6-11 (43m)
Lucy Turmel 3-1 Coline Aumard: 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-3 (37m)
Jasmine Hutton 3-0 Camille Serme: 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 (24m)

Draw: WSF Women's World Team Championship semi-final

[3] England v [2] USA