The brave campaign of England's Tania Bailey in the Women's World Open Squash Championship came to an end in the semi-finals on Friday when she was beaten in straight games by Australia's No2 seed Natalie Grinham in Madrid.

Struck down by sinusitis on the eve of the championship, fourth seed Bailey struggled with her breathing throughout the week in the Spanish capital - but still managed to claim her maiden appearance in the semi-finals of the sport's premier women's event.

It was the second day of action on the open-air all-glass court set in the Jardines del Cabo Noval, adjacent to the Palacio Real - in the first sports event ever to be held alongside Madrid's historic Royal Palace.

Among the distinguished guests attending the semi-finals was HRH Infanta Pilar de Borbon, sister of the King of Spain, HM Juan Carlos.

The clash was Bailey and Grinham's fourth meeting in the semi-finals of a Tour event this year.  Grinham, the three-times Commonwealth Games gold medallist from Queensland, was in devastating form - brushing aside the England number one from Lincolnshire 9-2, 9-5, 9-7 in 41 minutes.

Bailey conceded that she was not disappointed to lose:  "A week ago, I would have given anything to be in a world semi-final. 

"Natalie played really well, played the ball really tight - I couldn't maintain the way I played for the whole match because of the way she played.

"But I've learned a lot recently - I used to run around at 100mph all the time.  It makes me realise how valuable all the work I put in over the summer was," added the 28-year-old from Stamford.

"I feel confident that I'm close to the top three in the world - even though I think they are another level ahead.  I'm still learning a lot and know the weaknesses in my game which I've got to work on.

"Natalie's got a great chance to win the title - she's probably the most consistent of the other semi-finalists.  But they are all capable of winning - and it's good for the game that that is the case!" concluded Bailey.

Semi-final results:
[3] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt [5] Natalie Grainger (USA) 5-9, 9-6, 9-6, 9-3 (45m)
[2] Natalie Grinham (AUS) bt [4] Tania Bailey (ENG) 9-2, 9-5, 9-7 (41m)