Price is pushed to the limit by Ricketts

Paul Price overcame fellow Australian Anthony Ricketts in a thrilling five-game final of the WSF World Challenge in Melbourne.

Paul Price overcame fellow Australian Anthony Ricketts in a thrilling five-game final of the WSF World Challenge in Melbourne.

Price, the world No 6 and seeded second, was pushed all the way by his 22-year-old rival – who has not been picked for the world team championships next week – before competing a 9-0, 9-10, 10-9, 0-9, 9-2 victory.

The local favourite blew away Ricketts in the first game without conceding a point, but lost his momentum in the second. However, neither player was able to take command and both had several game balls, with Ricketts eventually taking it 10-9.

The third game was also close, but this time Price was able to close out by the same score. The fourth was a reversal of the first, with Ricketts breezing through 9-0 in just 10 minutes. But by the fifth, Price rediscovered his earlier intensity and took control of the game and match. "I was happy with my performance," said Price. "I am very happy with my form in the lead up to the team event.''