The world number two, runner-up in 2012, battled to an 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-9 victory to become the first Englishwoman to win the title since 1999, when Cassie Jackman (formerly Campion) claimed the honours.

The 30-year-old also becomes the first Englishwoman to hold both the world title and British Open title simultaneously, after picking up the latter last May.

"To be honest I was really nervous," admitted the jubilant champion after the match which was the final of the delayed 2013 Championships. 

"I've never really felt this nervous even though I made the final of the 2012 worlds.

"It was probably because I didn't want the opportunity to slip away.

"I think knowing that I had to play Sherbini instead of Nicol in the final threw me off my game and it made me a lot more nervous because it was a really good opportunity for me.

"But it's been a really amazing win - and it's massive to have both the world and British Open titles.

"As for celebrations, unfortunately I have an early flight out so it'll just be dinner with the team and probably a few days off when I get back home."

Laura Massaro celebrates with her coach after beating Egypt's Nour El Sherbini in a gruelling Women's World Squash Championship final ©Getty Images


Massaro came into the final, held in Penang's Spice Arena, as the sure favourite following world number one and local hero Nicol David's semi-final exit at the hands of El Sherbini.

This didn't make proceedings any easier for Massaro however, as she was taken right to the wire by her younger foe in a truly gruelling encounter.

After a nervy start by both players, it was Massaro who took the early initiative, edging ahead of her opponent to secure an early game lead.

El Sherbini, the three-time world junior champion and youngest ever player to reach a World Championship final, bounced straight back to take the second game in impressive style.

Massaro retaliated to take the third, only for El Sherbini to strike again, scoring seven consecutive points to pull the tie level.

The Egyptian's form carried to the decider, where she marched to 4-0 and 6-2 leads to bring her within touching distance of the title.

This is where the Englishwoman's experience began to show as she clawed her way back into the match to bring the tie even at 8-8, before striding to a 10-9 advantage followed by the Championship.

The triumph makes Massaro only the third Englishwoman to lift the world title - following Martine le Moignan in 1989 and Jackman in 1999 – and means England now boast both the men's and women's world titles following Nick Matthew's victory in the men's championship in November.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
March 2014: David left stunned after surprise defeat to Egyptian teenager in squash World Championship semi-final
March 2014: David survives scare to progress to Women's World Squash Championship semi-final
March 2014: Malaysian looking for more success at delayed 2013 World Squash Championships in Penang
January 2014: Penang to save the day and host delayed 2013 Women's World Squash Championship