LAURA Massaro will be looking for the perfect birthday present this week – winning the Monte Carlo Classic.

The world number two from Chorley turns 30 next Saturday, the day after she hopefully lifts the trophy for the third time.

The top seed, who was narrowly beaten by world number one Nicol David in the US Open final last week, kicks off against New Zealander Kylie Lindsay tomorrow.

Massaro has recovered from the exertions of the Philadelphia tournament where she played gruelling back-to-back five game matches in the semi final and the final.

“I was disappointed with the final at the US Open but I gave it everything and it was a really close match,” said the former Albany High School pupil who lost 13-11, 11-13, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5 in 84 gruelling minutes.

“I was pleased to back up my 82 minutes in the semi final with 86 minutes in the final – especially considering Nicol hadn’t dropped a game the whole tournament going in to the final.”

Massaro won the Monte Carlo Classic in 2008 and on her last visit in 2009 and while she is hoping for a hat-trick of titles, she is taking nothing for granted.

She said: “I am seeded one so I’m hoping to win the title but it’s a tough draw with lots of good players, including Camille Serme who I lost to in the Carol Weymuller Classic in Brooklyn two weeks ago.

“So, as always, I will be taking it one game at a time.”

While the title is her main priority, Massaro said she will take some time out to take in the sights as it coincides with her birthday.

“I have been to this event a few times and it's a great event as is the place,” said Massaro who lives in Hoghton and plays for East Lancashire in the North West Counties Squash League.

“I have won there in the past and lost in the final a couple of times.

“Monaco Squash are a long standing supporter of WSA squash and I’m really looking forward to going back “Hopefully, I’ll get to do some sightseeing as well as it clashes with my birthday!”