Dubai: Laura Massaro said back-to-back Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Series Finals wins have helped her shelve retirement talk for now.
The 33-year-old Englishwoman beat world champion Nour Al Sherbini of Egypt 3-0, (11-8, 12-10, 11-5) in Saturday’s final at Dubai Opera to mark her second consecutive title in this end-of-season event.
“I came to Dubai last year when I had almost had enough,” she said.
“But winning here put it all in perspective and I realised I still had more to achieve.
“I’m not going to be around much longer if I’m not winning titles, but luckily I’ve achieved a decent amount in these two years.
“I’m one of the older ones but as long as I still feel in contention and win the odd title I’m happy, and for as long as that’s still the case I’ll carry on.”
Massaro was five points clear in the first set before 21-year-old Al Sherbini pulled it back to within two before the Egyptian succumbed 11-8. Al Sherbini then went three ahead in the second before Massaro returned to level it 10-10 before edging the second. In the third Massaro then blitzed ahead with little resistance.
“Winning back-to-back titles is unbelievable, coming in I just thought it would be good to get out of the group.”
Massaro topped her pool with two wins over Nicol David 2-0 and Sarah-Jane Perry 2-0, before a 2-1 defeat to Al Sherbini. She then beat Nouran Gohar 2-1 in the semis.
Meanwhile, Al Sherbini finished second in the group after recovering from an opening 2-1 loss to Sarah-Jane Perry to beat David 2-0 and Massaro 2-1, before also beating Camille Serme 2-1 in the semi.
“It isn’t an event you can win and automatically get back into again next year,” said Massaro of her hat-trick hopes. “I have to put another good season together to get into it. It would be a shame if I’m not here to defend but I’ll give everything I’ve got to be back.”
Al Sherbini said of her defeat: “I had too many unforced errors and got my tactics wrong. It was challenging playing the same person I’d played just two days ago. I should have changed my tactics so she didn’t know what I was about to do. I’ll take positives and learn from the negatives to improve, every loss is a lesson not a bad thing.”
Results
Men’s final
Mohammad Al Shorbagy bt James Willstrop 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-8)
Women’s final
Laura Massaro bt Nour Al Sherbini 3-0 (11-8, 12-10, 11-5)
