Laura Massaro’s career came to an end with defeat on day two of the British Open in Hull. 

The Chorley squash star, the most successful Englishwoman of the modern era, fell to a surprise 11-5, 2-11, 11-5, 11-7 reverse against Belgium’s World No.39 Tinne Gilis. 

The current World No.10 won the British Open in 2013 and 2017, with the second of those wins seeing her become the first female English player in 66 years to win the sport’s longest-running title on two occasions.

In a speech full of emotion, the former world champion said: "Hull has become a special place for me. 

“My first British Open title at the then-KC Stadium was one of the best locations we have played in England. 

"To be in two finals and to win it twice is just a dream come true really. There’s not many people that can say they have won it.

“Hull will always be special for me because of the memories I have made here and it seems fitting that even though it didn’t end with my best today, that the Allams were able to watch my last match and that it was in Hull.

"No one steps on court at seven-years-old and thinks they are going to achieve that. 

"If hard work can get you anywhere, then it has been down to a lot of hard work. 

“It’s been a complete rollercoaster, it’s been unbelievable highs and lows throughout my career and I’m extremely proud of my achievements.

"Hopefully once it all sinks in then I can look back and reflect a bit.”

A emotional second day of action saw Massaro be one of three of the sport’s stars to bow out, eight-time world champion Nicol David and former world No.2 Jenny Duncalf also playing their final professional squash matches.

David, who won five British Open titles and spent an unprecedented nine years at world No.1, bowed out after a 3-1 defeat to world No.3 Nour El Tayeb, with the Egyptian player winning 11-4, 11-7, 11-13, 11-5 to end the Malaysian’s 21-year career on the PSA World Tour. 

Meanwhile, Massaro’s international teammate, 36-year-old Duncalf, went down in straight games against world No.1 Raneem El Welily. 

Duncalf retires with 11 PSA titles and was runner-up to David in the 2008 British Open and 2011 PSA World Championships final, while she even took up MC duties later on in the day to interview David on court after her final match.