Triumph for Laura

World No.1 Laura Massaro justified her top seeding with a comprehensive straight-game win over Alison Waters in the National Squash Championships women's final in Manchester.
Chorley star Laura Massaro (photo courtesy of Steve Cubbins)Chorley star Laura Massaro (photo courtesy of Steve Cubbins)
Chorley star Laura Massaro (photo courtesy of Steve Cubbins)

It was the pair’s fourth meeting at the final stage of the tournament.

A quick start saw the top seed from Chorley lead 5-0 and the pattern was set, Massaro dominating the rallies, Waters unable to make much of an impression on the play or the scoreboard.

Massaro raced to a two-game lead.

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The third was more competitive, but Massaro still had the edge, closing out the match in under half-an- hour 11-2 11-5 11-4.

“Alison wasn’t at her best today but I thought I played well and I’m absolutely delighted to get my name back on the trophy,” said Massaro.

In the men’s final, Nick Matthew already held the record of seven National titles and he extended that to eight, as he beat James Willstrop 3-1 (11-2 6-11 11-3 11-3) in their fifth final.

It was also a record ninth final for Matthews.

“It’s always tough to break James down,” said Matthew.

“The Nationals is a great event, always improving with new things coming along like the Under-21s and two glass courts, and it’s unbelievable and an absolute honour to have won it eight times.”

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