Second seeded Nicol was dominant right from the start of the match against Olivia Blatchford of the United States.

The unseeded Blatchford had beaten top seed Amanda Sobhy, her fellow American, in the semi-finals.

The final match, played in the specially constructed court at the El Santisimo Park in Floridablanca, in the shadow of the stunning El Santisimo statue, had to be suspended for about 40 minutes at 6-6 in the third game after a sudden downpour.

However, it did not stop the Penangite, who then returned to court to wrap up a 11-3, 11-4, 11-8 victory in the 70-minute match, to make it the 81st tour title in her glittering career.

On the victory, the eight-time world champion said she was delighted after having waited more than a year to win a title. She also praised the support received from the parties involved to ensure the inaugural tournament ran successfully.

“It feels great to win a tournament again. It’s been quite a while and I think this is really special to have my first title here in Floridablanca. It’s going to have a special place in my heart,” Nicol said.

“Thank you so much to the people in Floridablanca for hosting us here at the El Santisimo, it’s been such a special week for all of us girls here,” added the 33-year old whose last victory was at the 2015 Hong Kong Open.