Laura Massaro reached the final of the PSA World Series Final in Dubai after beating Nouran Gohar ©Getty Images

Defending champion Laura Massaro of England held off the challenge of Nouran Gohar to reach the women’s final of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Series Finals.

Her Egyptian opponent had taken the opening set 14-12, but Massaro fought back to claim the next two 12-10 and 11-7 at the Dubai Opera House.

It was a tough 47 minute encounter for the European player as she had to fend off two chances the world number five had to seal victory for herself.

“Saving two match balls is brilliant and I’m really proud of myself,” said Massaro.

“But I’m also really annoyed that I let three game balls in the first go.”

Nour El Sherbini will meet Laura Massaro in the final ©Getty Images
Nour El Sherbini will meet Laura Massaro in the final ©Getty Images

Waiting for Massaro in the final will be another Egyptian after world number one Nour El Sherbini knocked out France’s Camille Serme.

El Sherbini claimed the semi-final 15-17, 11-3, 12-10 in a match would take an hour to complete.

In the men’s draw, James Willstrop of England reached the final for the first time thanks to a 14-12, 11-6 win over top seed Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt.

He will face Mohamed Elshorbagy after the Egyptian won 9-11, 11-8, 14-12 against Germany’s Simon Rosner.

Both finals will be played tomorrow.