It was already the biggest final of Laura Massaro’s (pic ri) career – and it led to her biggest win of all-time when the eight-seeded Englishwoman inflicted the first defeat of world No1 Nicol David (pic le) for 14 months in the final of the Cleveland Classic. In her giant-killing run to the final at Cleveland, Massaro despatched world No2 Jenny Duncalf and ousted Madeline Perry, the No4 seed from Ireland. The 27-year-old world No10 walked onto the court to face David 0-9 down in her career head-to-head record against the Malaysian. Furthermore, earlier on the same day it was confirmed that Nicol David was celebrating her 58th month at the top of the world rankings – but Massaro was on a roll – and the England number three jumped out of the blocks to clinch her historic 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8 triumph in 61 minutes. “I’m really pleased with the win,” said the jubilant Massaro. “To beat the world No1, 2 and 6 in the same tournament was a dream before tonight. I can’t believe I have achieved one of my dreams.”
