LAURA Massaro begins her American adventure today, excited about the season ahead having already won her first tournament of the campaign.

The 31-year-old takes part in the Carol Weymuller Open in Brooklyn before travelling up to Philadelphia to compete in the US Open – two tournaments she has won in recent years.

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And the world number five from Chorley, who took time out of the game last season, says she is raring to go, a fact she demonstrated by recent success at the Macau Open.

Massaro dropped just one game on her way to winning the Open, where she beat the in-form Egyptian Nouran Gohar 11-8, 11-3, 11-9 in the final.

It was a long-awaited tournament win for Massaro, her first since she was won the delayed 2013 World title in April 2014.

“It was a long wait so I was absolutely thrilled,” said Massaro, who lives in Hoghton. “I don’t think I’ve ever opened the season with a tournament win so I’m very excited for the rest of the season.”

Massaro begins her quest for more Stateside success when she takes on a qualifier in the opening round of the Carol Weymuller Open tonight in a tournament she won in 2012.

And the US Open, which Massaro won in 2011, begins the following week.

“I feel very at home in Brooklyn and have played this event for years,” she said. “I hope to play well and back up my win in Macau.

“I really enjoy coming to the States because it’s homely. Same language, similar food and everything is easy. When I’m happy and comfortable I know I’m in a good place to play well.”

Massaro, who admitted she considered walking away from the game last season, is now fully focused on the season ahead.

“I think I just got mentally tired last season and the break solved that,” she said. “I am raring to go again now.

“My aim is to win more titles. It’s been a long time since the World title and I’m glad to get the Macau title. I want more of that feeling.”

Meanwhile, Massaro admitted she was disappointed but not surprised that squash had been omitted from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Squash, which had been on the shortlist, was overlooked in favour of karate, surfing, baseball/softball, skateboarding and surfing.

“I think everyone knew this time not to get their hopes up,” she said. “It’s just disappointing because I feel squash has made big improvements and changes. I never got my hopes up. It’s more disappointing for current and future juniors.”