Raphael Kandra is through to round two at the Houston Open ©PSA

Raphael Kandra and Shahjahan Khan both came from behind to win five-game encounters and reach the second round of squash's Houston Open, although second seed Mohamed ElShorbagy has been forced to pull out with COVID-19.

Germany's Kandra dropped the opening two games against Sébastien Bonmalais from France to leave himself in real jeopardy.

But, with a match against world number one Ali Farag awaiting the victor, Kandra fought back and ultimately proved too strong for Bonmalais, winning 10-12, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5.

Kandra will face Egypt's Farag tomorrow.

Khan overcame Lucas Serme of France 10-12, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 12-10 in a topsy-turvy match.

The American's second-round opponent will be lucky loser Nathan Lake from England, with that match not scheduled until Thursday (January 6).

Lake, who lost to Youssef Soliman in round one, has been given a reprieve a after ElShorbagy was forced to withdraw.

Mohamed ElShorbagy is out of the Houston Open following a positive COVID-19 test ©PSA
Mohamed ElShorbagy is out of the Houston Open following a positive COVID-19 test ©PSA

Switzerland's Nicolas Mueller saw off American Faraz Khan in a five-game thriller, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4.

Mohamed ElSherbini was a five-game winner too, defeating American Todd Harrity 8-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7.

There were also straight-games victories for Egyptians Omar Mosaad and Soliman in round one.

The tournament in the Texan city is a Professional Squash Association World Tour Gold event.

Action at Houston Squash Club is due to reach its climax on Sunday (January 9).