The Egyptian, who won the tournament in 2014 to go top of the world rankings for the first time in his career, struggled to contain an inspired Salazar during their 77-minute battle but managed to do just enough in the end to escape the clutches of defeat and register an 6-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 13-11 win.

"Being world number one isn’t always about playing the best, but about finding the way to win," said Elshorbagy, who saved multiple match balls.

"In the past two seasons I have played more matches than anyone else and lately things have been going wrong with my body.

"I’ve had stomach problems and fevers and been struggling.

"Today I fought and fought.

"I won - that’s what matters - and I’ll keep fighting until the end.

"I’m really happy to come through - finding the way to win is the most important thing and I know that I’ll definitely be better next round after that match."

Elshorbagy’s compatriot Omar Mosaad was the most notable casualty at the first hurdle as the world number three fell at the hands of England’s James Willstrop.

Willstrop, 32, evoked memories of the form that took him to the top of the world rankings in 2012 as he produced a virtuoso display of complete control to knock-out last year's runner-up in straight games - 11-8, 11-8, 11-8.

The world number 19 will next face Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar in the second round of a draw that is now wide open after seventh seed Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Colombia suffered a surprise loss to 30-year-old Malaysian qualifier Nafiizwan Adnan.

Adnan triumphed 11-9, 11-8, 11-9 to go beyond the first round of a PSA World Series tournament for only the third time in his career.

It was more straightforward for the top seeds in the women’s draw as world number one Nour El Sherbini, three-time US Open champion Nicol David and world number five Raneem El Welily all set down impressive markers to stroll into the second round.

After returning to form at last month’s Al Ahram Open, where she claimed top honours with victory over fellow Egyptian El Sherbini in the final, El Welily continued to impress as she saw off Belgian qualifier Nele Gilis courtesy of a comfortable 11-6, 11-4, 11-3 win.

El Sherbini was equally as strong as she downed Japanese qualifier Misaki Kobayashi 13-11, 11-9, 11-2, while Malaysia’s David defeated Denmark’s Line Hansen 11-3, 11-6, 11-6 to set up a second-round battle with Egyptian Nour El Tayeb - the 2015 runner-up who beat English qualifier Fiona Moverley 11-4, 11-8, 14-12.

First-round action is due to continue tomorrow.