Ashour has been hampered by a litany of injuries over the last five years and had not participated at a PSA World Series event since 2013. 

But he wound back the clock in style in dispatching his error-riddled opponent 11-5, 11-8, 13-11 to set-up a second tie against New Zealander Paul Coll inside the iconic Grand Central Terminal.

“It’s been a while, last time I came here was 2013 and it’s like a dream come true,” said Ashour.

“The tournament is prestigious, everyone wants to win the Tournament of Champions. 

"It’s really good to be back, a lot has happened and I wasn’t sure when I would be back here and when I would win again on court.

“On the last point I was just looking around and absorbing everything. 

"I don’t even want to win it, I just want to play because I’ve won it three times before and I want to be here. 

"I’m just grateful for everything I’ve been through and I’m glad to be back.”

World champion Mohamed ElShorbagy jointed his fellow countryman in the last 16 after enjoying a 21st successive win on the PSA World Tour and keeping alive his hopes of winning a fifth tournament in a row.

He was never threatened in an 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 triumph over Hong Kong’s Leo Au.

Colombia’s former world number four Miguel Angel Rodriguez was another winner today as he prevailed 14-12, 11-8, 11-5 against Hong Kong's Tsz Fung Yip.

The women's qualifying competition also ended today with Harvard Junior Sabrina Sobhy defeating Egypt's world junior champion Rowan Elaraby 11-7, 11-4, 11-9.

It meant she will join her elder sister, Amanda, in the main round draw.