James storms back as England's terrific trio make Men's World Championships last 16

A rousing comeback from qualifier Declan James thrilled the Manchester crowd as a trio of Englishmen booked their place in the third round of the 2017 AJ Bell PSA World Championships.

James, ranked 28th in the world, beat Mexican Cesar Salazar and surged through the second round alongside compatriots Daryl Selby (15) and three-time world champion Nick Matthew (5).

The Nottingham-born player was two games behind and up against it, committing an unforced error at 9-8 in the first and going down in the second despite saving four game balls.

James’ fighting spirit paid off, claiming a thrilling third game 13-11 before outclassing his 20th-ranked opponent in the final two to snatch a 3-2 triumph. James, who won the London Open earlier this month said,

“I’m feeling a mix of emotions, it was physically brutal.”

“Towards the end of the third and the fourth, the momentum started to change and before I knew it, it was match ball in the fifth.

“I just can’t wait to experience another match, these types of occasions are what we train for.”

Declan faces world number one Gregory Gaultier in the next round tomorrow at 13:00.

Nick Matthew, returning to the scene of his triumph at the 2013 Worlds, was back to his inimitable best in a 3-1 defeat of Hong Kong’s sprightly Max Lee.

The home hero fought his way through a first-round scare against fellow countryman and qualifier George Parker yesterday and was convincing on the glass court.

Lee took the second game from him, as he did in their last meeting in 2016, but Matthew’s movement was exemplary - particularly in the third where he bossed a number of lengthy rallies. Matthew said.

“I’m really delighted to be in the third round.”

“I had to do it a bit the hard way yesterday. I felt like my hitting and movement was in a good place but mentally I needed to turn up the dial. I felt like I did that today.

“Maybe I went too far at times. I needed to feel the other extreme of it, so I could then find the right mindset to take forward for the rest of the week. Max is a tough competitor so I’m happy to get through four in the end.”

On the next court to James, Daryl Selby was busy booking a second-round place for the second consecutive year by outmuscling New Zealander Campbell Grayson.

Selby, ranked 13 in the world, held the lead throughout but both players were drained by a lengthy third game punctuated by long rallies down the line and a number of let decisions.

The Essex boy cantered through the first two games 11-8 and 11-5 - exactly the same start to his first-round win over Mahesh Mangoakar.

But Kiwi Grayson, 40th in the world, managed to hold Selby at 7-7, 8-8 and 9-9 in the third.

The 2011 British National champion held his nerve with an ice-cool drop shot to set up game ball, converted with ease.

Meanwhile, Chris Simpson threatened a comeback against sixth-ranked Marwan El Shorbagy but fell to an unfortunate 3-1 defeat despite claiming the third game.

Watch more action tomorrow on Eurosport Player or view live scores on the official Championships website.