Nicol is ranked seventh in the world

"There were two or three decisions Matthew wasn't happy with. They were crucial points and that's what made the difference," admitted Nicol.

The 32-year old will be aiming to win gold against Australian David Palmer who beat England's Lee Beachill.

"The hat-trick means everything to me at the moment," Nicol added.

Earlier in the quarters, Matthew had beaten England doubles partner James Willstrop, while Nicol saw off Canada's Graham Ryding.

Scotland's John White lost to Palmer, while Beachill beat another Australian, Stewart Boswell.

There was little good news for the home nations in the women's competition with four players bowing out at the quarter-final stage.

Tania Bailey was beaten 9-6 10-9 9-3 by Malaysia's Nicol David while Vicky Botwright lost 10-8, 9-5, 9-1 to Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand.

Linda Elriani's challenge ended with a 1-9, 9-5, 9-5, 9-3 loss to Rachael Grinham of Australia while Northern Ireland's Madeline Perry lost 9-1 9-7 4-9 9-3 to Rachael's sister Natalie.

World champion David was later upset in the semi-finals, losing 10-9 7-9 9-4 6-9 3-9 to Natalie Grinham.

Grinham now faces older sister Rachael in the final after she put out New Zealand's Shelley Kitchen 10-8 9-4 9-2.