Cathedral Hall was basking in the sun all day from Lake Michigan, awaiting the eight players meeting in the quarterfinals of the 2004 SSA Global Windy City Open. Only four would survive and it took five and a half hours of electric, scintillating squash to deliver.

Omar Elborolossy started the first game against Renan Lavigne with fantastic shot selections moving the Frenchman into every inch of the corner cruising to a 15-7 win. Forced errors and constant pressure enabled Elborolossy to enjoy the next two games winning 15-9, 15-11 and be the first semi finalist on Saturday afternoon.

Paul Price, the defending champion took on Gregory Gaultier, the entertaining Frenchman who had lost to Price in last year's final. A year ago, the court at the University Club was a boxing ring, this time the players treated each other with great respect. The tough 'rock star' Aussie sported his favorite country shirt as a gentle reminder who the current World team champions are. Gaultier was down 11-14 and played smart attacking squash but lost out to a series of signature Price forehand kills to lose 17-14. The second game brought out the true rivalry between the players and the court positioning came into effect. Gaultier held game ball at 14-12 and Price came back and took advantage of the no set call with a great length to take a two love game lead.

The youthful Frenchman stormed back with breathtaking squash to tie up the game at two all 15-12, 15-4. Price chose an injury time out at the beginning of the fifth for an aggravating blister. The crowd were on their feet, clapping with thunderous applause and were treated to beautiful attacking squash from both competitors. The fifth was a delight, two shot makers twisting and turning each other into submission. Gaultier sneaked the fifth 15-12 to make it to day three.

Graham Ryding, who started his professional career here in 1993 showed at times why he has beaten Karim Darwish twice in the last twelve months, but the 22 year old from Cairo showed his prowess on court and won the first game on a stroke call 15-12. Ryding moved up the court and started cutting off Darwish's blistering crosscourts and evened the score one-all 15-13. Darwish regained control and led 2-1, but the Canuck is a born fighter and tied the match to set up an exciting fifth game 12-15, 15-12.

The last game was the most wonderful game of squash ever to be played in Chicago. Darwish and Ryding showed mature games, delivering perfect attacking squash at crucial moments. With the game tied 14-14, Darwish chose no set. Six let balls and an enthusiastic crowd, Ryding closed with a tight backhand trickle boast.

To finish the ceremonies for the evening Nick Matthew showed why he has arrived on the world squash scene, playing immaculate squash against the feisty Finn, Olli Tuominen. Matthew's early preparation and timely execution allowed him to take the match comfortably 15-9, 15-7, 9-15, 15-9.