Massaro exits Tournament of Champions

New world No.1 Laura Massaro was surprisingly knocked out of the Tournament of Champions by rising Eygptian star Nouran Gohar.
Laura Massaro was beaten by Nouran Gohar in the Tournament of ChampionsLaura Massaro was beaten by Nouran Gohar in the Tournament of Champions
Laura Massaro was beaten by Nouran Gohar in the Tournament of Champions

The Chorley squash ace was bidding for a place in the semi-finals of the prestigious competition, which is held at the iconic Grand Central Station, in New York, USA.

She went into her match-up with Gohar as the overwhelming favourite, especially as she had never lost to the 18-year-old in six previous meetings.

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However, Gohar has proven that she has the temperament for the big occasion having already beaten Malaysia's eight-times world champion Nicol David and current world No.4 Camille Serme this season at the China Open.

Despite taking the lead twice in the match, Massaro was unable to finish the job off as Gohar recorded a memorable 10-12, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9 victory.

Massaro said: "I was disappointed with the result. I gave it my all as always and although it was a shame I didn't get the win I felt it was a high quality match."

Gohar will now face Amanda Sobhy, of the US, for a place in the final. The other semi-final pits Eygpt's Nour El Sherbini against either David or Omneya Abdel Kawy, of Eygpt.

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