MANCHESTER (England), Oct 18: Australia’s Anthony Ricketts got the better of home hope James Willstrop to win the men’s title at the British Open 11-7, 11-9, 11-7. In the women’s final Malaysia’s Nicol David, the third seed, beat Rickett’s compatriot and world number one Nathalie Grinham 9-6, 9-7, 9-6.

Ricketts led 6-1 in the first set, held off Willstrop’s recovery to 6/7, before taking it 11/7.

Willstrop started the second strongly, leading 6/3 and 7/4 but Ricketts roared back to win it 11-9.

The third was tied at 3-3 before the Australian seventh seed asserted again, taking his first title here on the second match point.

“I texted Geoff Hunt (who won the last of his eight British Open titles in 1981) this morning to say I’d do my best to take his trophy back to Australia,” the new champion said.

David meanwhile said she was speechless.

“It was hard, I had to keep up with her for the whole match,” said the Malaysian.—AFP