Nigel Eckersley, the British Grand Prix Champion last season, is a step nearer retaining his title after winning the veterans' event at the Western Open at Bath.

Eckersley, 50, a winner three weeks ago in Newcastle, struck again with a 11-2, 12-10, 9-11, 11-4 final round victory against John Rankin of Lancashire.

The Uckfield ace enjoyed a slice of luck when top seed Brian Johns (Cheshire) suffered a shock defeat against an unknown Israeli living in Middlesex, Yaacov Bogen.

Eckersley then defeated Bogen who declined to shake hands after the match, complaining that Eckersley had made too much noise on court.

Ritchie Venner (Crawley), still in impressive form, brought down four rivals in the main event before he lost to semi-finalist Jason Sugrue (Middlesex) 11-7 in the fourth rubber.

Venner has not yet made a decision on whether to play in the English or Sussex Championship on March 2. Hopes are high that he will stay loyal to Sussex.

Rose Rainton (Hastings) beat four players in the women's singles at Bath before losing to the winner and England No.1 Nicola Deaton, from Derbyshire.

Gail Davey (St Leonards), who plays in almost all the Grand Prix tournaments, has at last received an England ranking at No 228.