James Stout, the reigning rackets world champion, won the British Open for the third time at the Queen’s Club in London, at the weekend.

Stout, the world No 1 and top seed, defeated Will Hopton, the world No 2 seed, in little more than two hours, winning 15-5, 15-9, 15-12, 15-11.

Hopton started strongly opening up a 5-1 lead in the first game, but Stout came back and dominated the rest of that game without dropping a point.

Stout built up a 7-2 lead in the second game, which Hopton did well to claw back to nine-all. Regaining service, Stout was able to close out the game from that stage, without further loss of points.

The third game was the most closely contested with both players trading points and exchanging service until Hopton recovered to 12-13. Two great shots from Stout, though, gave him the third game.

Stout was largely in control in the fourth game and had championship point at 14-8. However, an audacious drop shot from Hopton kept his hopes alive for a couple of points before Stout closed the match out with a score of 15-11.

Stout, who is based at the Racquet and Tennis Club in Manhattan, previously won the British Open in 2008 and 2009. He last contested the event in 2010.