The number two seed would become the first Jordanian to win a world squash title should he taste victory at the Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre in Tauranga.

Al Sarraj, currently ranked 89 in the world, is seeded second and will begin his campaign in round two after being handed a bye in round one.

The 18-year old's biggest rival looks set to be Egypt's top seed Youssef Ibrahim who has been given top billing in the men's tournament after reaching the semi-finals last year in Bielsko-Biała in Poland.

He has also been handed a bye through round one.

In the women's tournament, another Egyptian is top seed with 16-year-old Hania El Hammamy installed as the player to beat.

Her compatriot Zeina Mickawy is second seed to set-up the possibility of an all-Egyptian final.

Both have also been given byes to start the tournament.

In all, teenage players from 26 countries will take part at the event, which was first held in 1980.

Five former men's champions have reached world number one in the Professional Squash Association rankings, with seven going on to top the equivalent women's list. 

Competition will conclude with the final on July 24.

A day later, the Women's World Junior Team Championship will begin in Tauranga.