Tesni Evans is still on course for a second AJ Bell British National title after qualifying for Saturday’s semi-finals.

The defending champ came from one game down to beat England’s Julianne Courtice 3-1 after 48 minutes at Nottingham University.

Evans triumphed 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 in her quarter-final against the No 7 seed.

Rhyl-based Evans is seeded third for the tournament where she made history last year by becoming the first Welsh woman to win the title.

The 26-year-old will face No 1seed Laura Massaro in the semi-final after her English rival also came back from a game down.

Massaro beat countrywoman Millie Tomlinson 6-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8.

“I like to win playing my best squash,” said Massaro. “But it got a bit messy and when it comes to digging in and fighting I’m one of the best for that.

“Glad to be through, now to prepare for the semis.”

Evans beat Massaro in last year’s semi-final in Manchester before going on to beat Alison Waters in the final.