[3] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [1] Laura Massaro (ENG) 11-7 17-15 9-11 11-8 (84min)
Report from Christian Billard -
'The final opposed Laura Massaro (No. 2 worldwide and twice winner of the event) against Camille Serme (No. 7 in the world ranking of 1st November).
The party started up well for Camille who wanted to take the lead with attacking play when the opportunity presented itself to her. The strategy was good because it was she who led the scoring for the whole game and she won the first game 11/7 .
In the second game , Laura Massaro showed that she was not world number two for nothing and played at a higher rate which made it difficult for Camille who made too many unforced errors. Laura reached game ball at 10-9 only for Camille to take the point and reach a tie break. After two more game balls each in an epic tie break it was Camille who ended up winning by 17/15 in 27 minutes .
In the third game, it was the same scenario, Laura, who had lost the previous game, lead 4/ 0, but Camille was not resigned to losing the game and came back to move ahead 7/5. From here Laura used all her experience to dig in and squeeze out the game 11-9 to pull a game back.
The enthralling match continued to the delight of the audience, in the fourth game neither player could break away into a lead and they found themselves at 8-8. Camille then took charge and Laura, who showed signs of weakness, saw Camille take the last three points and the game 11/8 and the match in 84 minutes .
The final pleased all spectators who wanted more!
Camille was understandably delighted after winning her 8th WSA title. "This week has been full of emotions and acquiring experience. I'm so happy to have won this 18th edition of the Monte Carlo Classic after doing my summer training, I was really keen to win it this time! I feel at home here with Rubino, Christian, Melanie and all the Monegasques who are so kind and welcoming.
Funny, as I feel I have never played better squash than I am playing at the moment. Today I tried to use my physical and mental strength to win today! I know a lot of work needs to be done but the last few results are really encouraging.
I would like to thank all the people from Monte Carlo I already mentioned. Asics, Prince and my sponsors FFsquash, Philippe Signoret my coach and Makis, Fred my fitness coach, my parents, my boyfriend who came to support me here, it was such a treat to win in front of them.
Next stop is Hong Kong in December. But first, a nice weekend of rest in Monaco."