Lancashire squash star moving up World Squash Rankings
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13th February 2008
HOGHTON squash star Laura Lengthorn-Massaro World Ranked Number 11 looks certain to move up the world rankings after her latest competition in the Harrow Greenwich Open in New York last month.
The 24-year-old saw off number one seed Natalie Grainger after a thrilling five set encounter in the quarter- finals. In the build-up to the tournament, Laura claimed that a win in the quarter finals could help her move into the top 10 in the world.
The world number 12 was quick out of the blocks as the American made a slow start and won the first game 9-0. But the experienced world number four Grainger soon showed her class by taking the next two games 9-5 and 9-4. Laura produced a forehand volley drop to ease through a tight fourth game 9-7 before finishing her opponent off 9-0 in the final game.
But Laura’s hopes of winning her first title in 2008 were short-lived as fellow English star Alison Waters won in a four game semi-final. Laura said: “I am very pleased about beating the world number four, it was my biggest win to date.
“I played really well to get through to the semi-final but I think nerves played their part and it took me a while to get into the game, but I have learnt a lot from that”. Alison played really well and deserved to get to the final. I just hope to get revenge the next time we play.” In December Laura reached the semi-final of the Monte Carlo Classic before losing to eventual winner of the tournament Natalie Grinham. But Laura said there was a lot to take from the tournament: “I played good in that tournament and I beat the world number eight Vanessa Atkinson in the quarter-finals. I have played her a few times and it was the first time I managed to beat her.”
Laura admits she is looking forward to the National Squash finals this week. As she said: “I often practice in Manchester and that is where the National Championships are being held. So it will be great to come home and hopefully challenge for the tournament.”
You can catch up on Laura’s progress in the Chorley Guardian (www.chorley-guardian.co.uk).