World squash No 1 Sarah Fitz-Gerald last night won a record-equalling fourth World Open title when she trounced top-seeded New Zealander Leilani Joyce in straight games in Melbourne.
Fitz-Gerald, the third seed and home town favourite who had been in superb form all tournament, took the match 9-0 9-3 9-2.
Joyce, alsoa beaten finalist in Edinburgh last year when Carol Owens won the title, fought gamely throughout the 44-minute contest, but her opponent proved too strong.
"The score didn't justify how hard I worked," she said.
"I was throwing as much at her as possible but she was too good on the night. She's a fantastic athlete and she deserved to win. "
The result meant Fitz-Gerald, who took the world No 1 ranking off Joyce earlier this month, has continued her recent dominance over her nearest rival.
She won the final of the Qatar Open a fortnight ago, conceding just three points, and also defeated Joyce in an epic semifinal in the British Open.
Victory meant she matched New Zealander Susan Devoy's tally of world titles.
