The American found herself 5-3 down in a race to six legs at the Winter Gardens, but showed her fighting spirit to battle back and claim the £10,000 first prize.

Taylor, the reigning champion in the £400,000 event, continued his charge towards another title with a thrilling win over the Australian.

PRIESTLEY CLAIMS AUSTRALIAN VICTORY

DENNIS PRIESTLEY defeated Mark Hylton 6-3 to win the Australian Open Players Championship in Sydney.

Klaasen held his own with some superb finishing in the early stages, but a run of nine successive legs from the Australian saw him streak away to victory at the Winter Gardens.

Brown had knocked out number five seed Terry Jenkins on his Winter Gardens debut and held his own against the World Chanmpionship finalist before eventually succumbing to defeat.

Malay Magician, otherwise known as Amin Abdul Ghani will be attending this years Australian Open and DPA sanctioned events...

The Dutch star hit a nine-darter in Saturday's first round win over Denis Ovens, and produced a clinical performance to see off left-hander Tabern with an average of almost 104.

Nicholson has moved into the world's top 16 this year after winning the Players Championship Finals in January, but was unable to repeat that form in his Blackpool bow.

Simon swept past the world number 34 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, celebrating his first appearance in the tournament in style and condemning Eccles to a heavy defeat for the second successive y