The Egyptian, who was given a wild-card entry to the event which will later move to a glass court in front of the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza, dropped the first set against the Spaniard, who is ranked 26th in the world.

However, El Hammamy fought back to triumph 4-11, 11-5, 11-6, 16-14.

Rounds one and two are being played at New Giza Sporting Club.

No seeds were in action in either the men's or women's contests today, with seeded players among those receiving a bye to round two.

"It means a lot to me," El Hammamy said following the win.

"I missed playing, I missed winning. 

"I was playing the world number 26, so I knew it was going to be a hard match, but for once I didn’t expect too much of myself, I didn’t put too much pressure on the win."

American Todd Harrity was another player to record a come-from-behind win.

Up against world number 19 Adrian Waller of England, Harrity dug deep to secure an 11-5, 6-11, 6-11, 11-2, 11-7 victory.

In the women's tournament, Scotland’s Lisa Aitken knocked out Nada Abbas in the biggest shock.

Aitken trailed the Egyptian world number 19, but won a five-game thriller 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4.

Sana Ibrahim, a 17-year-old Egyptian given a wild-card berth at just her second PSA World Tour event, pushed compatriot Zeina Mickawy to five games, but fell.

Mickawy won 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 8-11, 11-4.

Top seed Nouran Gohar awaits Mickawy in round two tomorrow.

Men's top seed Ali Frag will play Omar Mosaad.

Two players, Mohamed Abouelghar and Mohamed ElSherbini, tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the event and had to withdraw, having not entered the tournament bubble or designated hotel.

Comprising of six rounds in all, the event is due to reach its climax next Saturday (October 17).