DANNY Massaro may be studying a PhD entitled ‘mental wellbeing’ but there will be no deep thinking when it comes to the National Squash Championships.

Massaro, the husband and coach of world number five Laura will be in Manchester next week - but this time as a player as well.

MORE TOP STORIES:

But despite being ranked number two in the Over 40s Masters category and favourite to reach the final, Massaro has a laid back approach to the competition.

“Would I like to win it, of course I would,” said the 42-year-old. “Every time you step on the court you want to win. But I am not taking it too seriously and worrying about what may happen.

“It’s a bit of fun really, a good way to keep fit and, as a coach, a chance to experience what players are going through.”

Massaro, named elite coach of the year by England Squash last year, has twice reached Masters finals, the over 35s and last year’s over 40s where he was beaten by Nick Taylor.

But despite those two final defeats and three semi final appearances, Massaro is not hell bent on breaking his duck.

“I finished runner-up last year and I was happy with that,” added Massaro who will play James Prowley in the opening round next Thursday evening . “The guy I was playing is a former world top 10 and he went on to win the world masters title so he took it pretty seriously.

“The Masters is a bit more relaxed. If you win your category it doesn’t mean you are the best in the country. With these events, it is quite often a case of who turns up and you take it from there.”

n Chorley's Julian Tomlinson will be hoping to make the main draw when he begins his qualifying campaign on Tuesday.