LAURA Massaro could be forgiven for resting on her laurels after enjoying stunning success during 2011 - culminating with her being named world squash player of the year.

The 28-year-old from Chorley had a year to remember after winning two major competitions, being crowned British champion and rising to a career high third place in the world rankings.

But despite the success - which also included twice beating world number one Nicol David - Massaro believes she can get even better.

Massaro, who lives in Hoghton, is looking to add consistency to the confidence she has picked up following some high profile victories in the last 12 months.

For while her titles and honours have earned her rave reviews, Massaro suffered too many early exits for her liking.

“It’s funny but although I had a very successful year it was not my most consistent,” said the former Albany High School pupil. “I was winning or getting to finals of events but then going out early in the next one. The previous year I was consistently getting to quarter and semi finals each time.

“But that is something I can learn from, I will learn to become more focused rather than still be a bit excited about winning events!

“So despite all that success, I know I can get better.”

However, Massaro wouldn’t complain too much if 2012 is as good as 2011 was.

The year started and ended on a high for Massaro, who plays for East Lancashire Squash Club when she is not competing around the world.

She won the Cleveland Classic in January, where she beat Nicol David in the final for the first time in her career.

Massaro then became the first Lancashire lady to win the British Open the following month after defeating British number one and world number two Jenny Duncalf in the final.

David was toppled again as Massaro reached the final of the Singapore Women’s Masters in July - another top ranking event - before she won the biggest tournament of her career, the US Open, in October.

It was a string of results that saw Massaro rise from outside of the top 10 to third in the rankings - and winning the world player of the year award.

“Last year was definitely the best year of my career so far,” said Massaro. “Before then, I had never reached the final of a gold event but I went on to win two and finish runner-up in another.

“I was also British champion for the first time, won the US Open, beat the world number one twice and ended winning world player of the year.”

Massaro says beating David for the first time was just the boost she needed while winning the British title filled her with immense pride.

“The year got off to a brilliant start for me. I won the Cleveland Open and beat Nicol David for the first time in my career.

“I followed up by winning the British Open. Although there were no ranking points up for grabs it was a prestigious competition for me to win because there were so many big names on the trophy.

“And to become the first winner from Lancashire was a great honour for me.”

Massaro, who has slipped back to fourth in the world rankings behind David, Duncalf and Ireland’s Madel-aine Perry, has set her sights on closing the gap on those in front of her.

“My aim this year will be to try and bring more consistency in to my game and chip away at Nicole and Jenny. The way to do that is being winning events or getting to the latter stages of competitions.”

Massaro gets an early chance to test herself against those rivals when she competes in the World Series Squash finals at Queen’s Club in London this week.

She has been drawn in the same group as Duncalf, Rach-ael Grinham from Australia and Malaysia’s Low Wee Wern.

“They haven’t held this event for a number of years but it is great to take part in a prest-igious competition like this,” added Massaro who kicks off against Duncalf tomorrow. “I suppose it shows how well I did last year and it will be a good test to be playing against the best players in the world.

“Now I am just aiming to get better this year.”