Third seed France stunned defending World Team Squash Champions England in the semifinals of this prestigious tournament that’s currently taking place in Odense, Denmark.

England is a two-time World Team champions and was bidding for third successive title here.

Adrian Grant of England started well in the first match, securing the lead for his country after beating Frenchman Renan Lavigne 9-11, 11-5, 11-4 and 11-3.

In the second match, it was Gregory Gaultier, the world number two, who forced a decider after beating longtime rival James Willstrop in a thrilling four set game 12-10, 6-11, 11-6 and 12-10. Both players had a firm grip on their squash racquets as they tried to out play each other which could be seen in the tight scoreline.

The third and crucial match went in favor of Thierry Lincou after he defeated England’s newcomer Peter Barker to clinch the victory for France. It wasn’t a walk in the part for the French player considering that it was Barker who defeated him in last year’s European Team Championship final. This time, it was almost a repeat but Lincou held on to his lead to win in four sets 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8.

France has yet to win this title but has reached the final once, in 2003. Egypt on the other hand, has been in the final four times since 1999 but settled for second place every time.