LAURA Massaro heads for the cauldron of El Gouna relaxed and quietly confident knowing she has a holiday to look forward to and a British Open title to celebrate.

The 33-year-old has put her historic Open victory on the back burner as she prepares to compete in the delayed 2016 World Championships on the coast of Red Sea in Egypt.

The Chorley ace, who became the first woman in 66 years to win the Open twice, is expecting a hot reception at the Egyptian resort – especially after beating two home favourites on her way to glory in Hull last month.

“It’s going to be a lot different to Hull, that’s for sure.” said Massaro who defeated Nour El Sherbini and Raneem El Welily, world number one and three respectively, before beating Sarah-Jane Perry in the final.

“They are squash-mad in Egypt and the fans cheer every point their players win and there is absolute silence if anyone wins a point or rally against them.

“It was great to have the home support in my favour in Hull but I expect it to be a lot different out there.”

Massaro was delighted with her performance in Hull after an indifferent season and dealt with both aspects of the game.

“Because of the way results have gone for me, the pressure was off to a certain degree,” she said. “But after beating Nour and Raneem to reach the final, suddenly I was favourite. So not only was I happy with the way I played but also the way I deal with being underdog and then favourite in the same tournament.”

Massaro begins her quest for a second world title against another Egyptian home favourite, Mariam Metwally, tomorrow but believes that partisan support could work in her favour.

“If you are playing well and winning and the fans are cheering you on, there is no better feeling,” added the Hoghton-based star who has risen back up to number two in the world in the April rankings.

“But if you are struggling and it is not quite going your way, then suddenly it can become a pressure with so many people watching you.

“I am used to playing in that sort of environment so hopefully I will get the opportunity to use it to my advantage.”

Massaro, who won the 2013 world title, previously stated that winning the British Open would give her momentum going to Egypt but, instead, it has been more of a calming influence.

“I did say it would all be about the momentum but instead, I have got quite a laid-back attitude ahead of the worlds,” she said. “I think it is because, whatever happens, I still have the British Open to celebrate because I haven’t had the chance to do that

“And me and Danny (her husband) are planning a holiday straight after the worlds, I haven’t got a clue where yet, but that is something else to look forward to.”

But don’t mistake that laid-back approach for not caring.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely going to Egypt to try and win and I would love a second world title,” said Massaro. “I said before the British Open, it is all about the player who can string a week’s worth of performances together and that is the case again.

“I managed that in Hull and I think I can do it again.

“I understand there might be a bit more pressure on me because I won the British Open but there is no reason to fear anyone in Egypt.”