Defending champion Laura Massaro is relishing the prospect of stepping out under the purple lights at Dubai Opera for the PSA World Series Finals this week.
The 33-year-old, ranked number three in the world, has enjoyed a mixed campaign but earned qualification to the showpiece event after some stunning displays in the British Open and Tournament of the Champions.
In an interview with Sport360.com, Massaro said: “It’s a privilege to be back, to win the title last year was a funny situation, because you’re not guaranteed to be able to play the event to defend it.
“You have to earn your right throughout the season, so it’s exciting I was able to do that. It was looking a bit shaky before Christmas, but I managed to pull some good form together at the beginning of this year and seal my place.”
The new 2,000-seat, multi-format venue at Burj Park will form the centerpiece for the season-ending competition this week.
Commenting on the new venue, Massaro added: “Coming in for the first time is amazing, to walk out on to the stage, to see the seating the way it is. When we were told we’d be at the Opera House, I can’t believe it’s been a year. Another iconic location.”
Two round robin groups of four will contest the $160,000 Finals and Massaro will have the tough task of facing eight-time World Open champion Nicol David, world No2 Nour El Sherbini and compatriot Sarah-Jane Perry in the best of three games format.
