The Connaught Club held their maiden Squash Evolution tournament on Saturday with world champion Laura Massaro and England’s Jenny Duncalf joining more than 50 players in attendance.

Aimed at boosting the girls’ and women’s game, the event – the first of its kind – boasted a full day’s competition before Massaro and Duncalf faced off in the highlight of the occasion.

The two players put on a superb show as they went head-to-head in an exhibition match in front of a sell-out crowd at the Chingford club, with Duncalf emerging the winner, 3-2.

Massaro said: “What a tremendous idea and what a brilliant turn-out of ladies and girls.

“I couldn’t believe the amount of players on court when I got here. We need to run more of these events and show everyone how good the women’s game is.

The England number one added: “Essex is leading the way. When Lauren Selby told us about it we said ‘yes’ straight away. It’s been fabulous.”

There was also a doubles match between three Essex-based British champions as Elise Lazarus and Anna Kimberley beat Alice Green and Connaught’s own WSA professional, Selby, 2-1.

Team games also took place, with team ‘Nicol David’ coming out on top in a seven-match round-robin tournament in which the players ranged in age from eight to 74.

Essex Junior Squash chairman David Harris said: “We can’t thank Laura and Jenny enough for helping to support our Squash Evolution event. They are an inspiration to all players, young and old, and watching them here tonight supporting Essex junior squash is just magical.”

All profits from the day will be re-invested back into Essex junior squash