Laura Massaro has said she is expecting a fierce and unpredictable battle at the PSA Dubai World Series Finals as the Englishwoman prepares to defend her title next month.
World No 4 Massaro will take her place among the top eight women in the Road to Dubai standings at the season-ending tournament held at Dubai Opera on June 6-10.
Massaro, 33, won the 2016 World Series Finals by twice coming from behind to beat Egypt’s Raneem El Welily, and given the unpredictable nature of the 2017 season, she is prepared for another tough tournament.
“Last year was an unbelievable experience, to go into a season ending event against the top eight and win is something I’m really proud of,” said Massaro, who is third in the Road to Dubai standings.
“It’s arguably the toughest event to win because the level is so high from Day 1. And this year, going in as defending champ makes it a little different. I know exactly what to expect but I’m really excited.
“I can’t get too far ahead though — I will just go into the pool game trying to play my best and see where it takes me because this year has been the most unique season I’ve ever played in.”
Massaro will be joined in the UAE by Road to Dubai leader and world No 3 Camille Serme of France, Egyptian trio Nour El Sherbini, the world No 1, El Welily, and Nouran Gohar, Malaysia’s Nicol David, and fellow Englishwomen Sarah-Jane Perry and Alison Walters.
As one of the “eldest” players in the group, Massaro has experienced the changing landscape of women’s squash and its increased competitiveness over the years. As such, she believes any of the competing women are capable of clinching the World Series Finals trophy next month.
“When I first came on Tour, players like Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Carol Owens and Cassie Jackman won the big titles and then it shifted to the Grinhams before Nicol dominated,” Massaro said.
“But this season there’s been a different winner, different finalists and different names at nearly every major event, which is great for the sport, and shows how high the level is.
“In Dubai there are eight high quality athletes and we all have different traits, training styles and philosophies.
“I feel proud, as the eldest alongside Nicol in that group, that I’m still staying with the players in what is probably my third era in women’s squash as the game is ever changing.”
This year’s World Series Finals features a $160,000 (Dh587,710) equal prize fund for both the men and women and a unique best-of-three games format throughout the group stages and semi-finals, before reverting to the traditional best of five format for the final.
“You have to come out of the blocks as quick as you can because the first four or five points can be crucial,” said the English No 1.
“I enjoy that best of three format and think it was exciting and I’m happy to be back in that line-up. As a Brit as well it’s always nice to get a bit of sun and I find that if I can bring a little bit of holiday time and combine it with the squash side that helps me be more relaxed and give my all on court.
“Overall I have great memories from the event last year and the Dubai Opera pictures have looked amazing. To put the glass court there shows how adaptable the sport can be, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The groups for the PSA Dubai World Series Finals will be announced on Monday, June 5, with the tournament beginning a day later and concluding on Saturday, June 10.
Tickets are available to purchase through www.dubaiopera.com or from the Dubai Opera Box Office. For further information on the PSA World Series and the PSA World Tour, visit www.worldseriesfinals.com.
* Agencies
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