Massaro reassured by 2017 feats despite Worlds exit

England’s Laura Massaro has vowed to take heart from her performances throughout 2017, despite suffering an early exit on day two of the Women’s AJ Bell PSA World Championships.

The Lancastrian and World No.5 came up short against No.15 seed Tesni Evans in an intense British battle which saw the Welsh player triumph 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11.

The pair had met in the quarter-final stage of last month's Hong Kong Open, with Massaro - the 2013 World Champion - prevailing in four games.

But it was Evans who got the better of the England No.1 this time around at Manchester’s National Squash Centre – denying Massaro her seventh successive appearance in the last eight.

Despite her early exit, the 34-year-old paid tribute to Evans in what was a gruelling encounter.

“The match was a tough, hard battle. Things didn’t go my way on the day and that’s sport,” said Massaro.

“Sometimes things don’t go the way you wish. Tesni played well and was better on the night and she deserves the win.”

But despite her defeat, the 34-year-old admitted she was pleased with how she had fared throughout the past 12 months – which saw her become the first woman in 66 years to claim a second British Open crown in March.

She also defended her Dubai World Series title in June, where she overpowered World No.1 Nour El Sherbini, again writing her name in the history books as the second woman to win the title twice, after Malaysia’s Nicol David.

And while she was unable to capitalise in familiar surroundings at a home world championships, the former World No.1 denied it played a part in her last-16 heartache.

“I don’t think the fact it was at home affected me,” said Massaro.

“I was feeling good and sometimes things don’t click on the day. There isn’t always a reason or explanation.”

“I’m going to have a rest now before Christmas and am looking forward to having some fun.

“Although I really wanted to do well in Manchester, I am proud of my 2017.

“There are feelings of disappointment, but I also want to remember and enjoy that I am very privileged to do what I do and I want to celebrate and remember those achievements over Christmas and New Year!”