Grinham found it tough after taking a month off

Australians David Palmer and Rachel Grinham successfully defended their British Open titles in the final at the Royal Albert Hall in Nottingham. Top seed Grinham beat fourth seeded American Natalie Grainger 3-9 9-5 9-0 9-3 in a 41-minute final.

Palmer, the third seed, also needed four games to beat world champion Amr Shabana of Egypt in a physical final. Both players were warned by the referee before Palmer prevailed 10-11 11-7 11-0 11-7 to retain his title.

Rachael Grinham admitted she had not felt ready for the tournament after taking a month's break since the World Team Championships in October.

"But they were going to have to beat me," she said. "I wasn't going to sit down and just lose."

That first game was crucial - I didn't win, it but I extended Shabana and it paid dividends David Palmer

"I knew Natalie would start off strong - she always does."

"She wins a lot of her matches by overwhelming her opponents from the off - and she began to do that.

"But I stuck with her and eventually took control. But I feel so tired right now - it's been a really long week."

Palmer said the opening game had been significant in his victory.

"That was tough - British Open finals don't come easy," agreed the 28-year-old champion from New South Wales after the 89-minute victory.

"Shabana's a great shot player and he proved that again.

"That first game was crucial - I didn't win, it but I extended Shabana and it paid dividends. I knew if I got 2-1 up, I'd be hard to beat - but he came back strong in the fourth."