LAURA Massaro will kick off her defence of the Allam British Open next month against Hong Kong’s Joey Chan – the same player she beat in last year’s first round on her march to glory.

Massaro, who was crowned world champion in March, was present for the Open draw which will again take at The Sports Arena, Hull from May 12-18.

Massaro said: “The strength and depth in the women’s draw is really tough. I’ve actually got the same first round draw that I had last year so I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad omen.

“I guess now I need to stop celebrating my World Open win and start focusing on this now it’s become real!”